The New Jersey Child Care Facilities Improvement Program Phase 1 is an NJEDA grant program that provides eligible licensed child care centers with $50,000 to $200,000 for approved facility improvement projects. Funding can support interior and exterior improvements as well as qualifying furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) that help create high-quality early childhood learning environments. The application period is closed, but approved grantees are continuing to complete their projects

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/

Phase 1 was available to New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJDCF)-licensed child care centers, including eligible for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations. Centers could own or lease their space and were required to meet additional NJEDA program requirements, including Child Care Assistance Program participation requirements. Home-based family child care providers were not eligible for Phase 1.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/

Phase 1 grant funds can be used for approved interior and exterior facility improvements and qualifying furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) associated with the child care facility. Eligible projects can include improvements to classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas and other child care spaces, as well as qualifying furniture and equipment used in the center's everyday operation.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/

Yes, qualifying classroom furniture may be included in an approved Phase 1 project. NJEDA defines FFE as movable items used in the normal operation of a child care business that do not have a permanent connection to the building or its utilities. Discount School Supply offers solutions such as child-sized tables and chairs, shelving, bookcases, cubbies, storage and other classroom furniture that may fit these requirements. Final eligibility depends on your approved NJEDA project.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FFE-Allowable-Expenditures-FINAL.pdf

Qualifying cribs, crib mattresses, high chairs and freestanding diaper-changing stations may be allowable FFE for a child care facility. Purchases must meet NJEDA requirements and be included as part of an approved Phase 1 project. Before purchasing, grantees should confirm that specific products and costs are approved for their project.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FFE-Allowable-Expenditures-FINAL.pdf

Qualifying classroom storage can be an allowable furniture and equipment expense. This can include movable or freestanding solutions such as cubbies, bookcases, shelving and portable storage units when they meet NJEDA requirements and are part of the approved project. Permanent or built-in improvements may be subject to different project and contractor requirements.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FFE-Allowable-Expenditures-FINAL.pdf

Certain gross motor and play equipment may qualify as part of an approved Phase 1 facility improvement project. NJEDA specifically identifies playground equipment as an example of the types of improvements Phase 1 can support. Eligibility depends on the equipment, its intended use and the grantee's approved project scope.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FFE-Allowable-Expenditures-FINAL.pdf

Qualifying outdoor furniture and equipment may be eligible when included in an approved Phase 1 project. Phase 1 supports both interior and exterior facility improvements, including improvements that help create safe, high-quality environments for children. Grantees should confirm individual purchases against their approved NJEDA project before ordering.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FFE-Allowable-Expenditures-FINAL.pdf

Yes. Phase 1 identifies freight and shipping delivery as an eligible soft cost. NJEDA limits eligible soft costs—including architect fees, permit fees, construction management, freight and shipping delivery, and environmental assessments—to up to 20% of the total grant. Grantees should follow their approved budget and NJEDA reimbursement requirements.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/

Approved NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program Phase 1 projects must be completed by December 31, 2026, according to current NJEDA guidance. The application period has closed, but NJEDA continues to support approved grantees as their projects move through required milestones.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/

Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program serve different types of child care providers and fund different types of projects. Phase 1 provided $50,000–$200,000 grants to eligible licensed child care centers for facility improvements, including qualifying FFE. Phase 2 provided $10,000–$20,000 grants to eligible registered Family Child Care homes specifically for qualifying furniture, fixtures and equipment supporting health, safety, accessibility and high-quality learning environments. Phase 2 does not fund construction, repairs or renovations requiring a construction contract.

Source: https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/

Yes. Discount School Supply can help child care centers identify furniture and equipment for their project and create a quote based on their facility needs. Our team can help with classroom furniture, storage, infant and toddler equipment, learning environments, gross motor and outdoor solutions.