Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R-Gowanda) today called upon child care facilities to apply for state grants to assist with expanding the quality of care in the Southern Tier.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) annually distributes a number of grants to child care providers to help improve the health and safety of child care in New York state.

“Daycare centers in our region do a terrific job,” said Giglio. “But they also need to know that these grants exist, to help them with their difficult work.”

The grants, which are awarded on a competitive basis, are available in several categories that include: Child Daycare Center and School Age Start Up and Expansion Programs, Expansion of Hours of Existing Child Daycare Centers and School Age Child Care Programs, Health and Safety, Innovative Programs Initiative, and Accreditation.

The application deadline for all programs is July 14, 2006, the only exception is for Health and Safety. Health and Safety grant applications of $15,000 or less can be submitted by the tenth day of each month.

In order to apply for a grant award, child care providers must meet certain criteria as outlined by OCFS and obtain a Request for Proposal that includes program descriptions, application forms, and other information necessary to apply for funding.

“Programs like these are important for providing a safer and healthier environment for our children, while making the job of providing care a little easier,” said Giglio.

Giglio is also recommending that providers register with the OCFS online bidders list to receive formal announcements of upcoming child care grants and opportunities.

“I encourage child care providers to inquire with the Office of Children and Family Services about these programs,” said Giglio. “If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.”