Providence’s Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program
Idea Category: Infrastructure | Funding Source: American Rescue Plan
2023 Ideas Challenge Entry
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is building up the city’s early education infrastructure through the Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program. This new program will invest $1.9 million from both the general budget and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to offer technical support, planning grants, and construction grants to childcare providers and centers. This initiative is an investment in the early learning economy, supporting minority- and women-owned business owners in Providence who were essential during the COVID-19 quarantines. The planning and construction grants prioritize facility improvements that will improve the safety, quality rating and capacity of both home- and center-based providers
The program also tackles issues like staffing shortages and insufficient reimbursement rates. LISC assists providers in identifying areas for facility improvement, safety enhancements, and quality rating upgrades. Ultimately, the Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program enhances childcare quality, safety, and capacity, benefiting families and advancing Providence's goal of universal Pre-K access in high-quality facilities.
Impact
On July 13, 2023, Providence announced over $1 million in grants to 16 home-based and 8 center-based facilities. Reporting includes details on how each project tackles health and safety concerns, upgrades quality ratings, and boosts capacity. For instance, adding a backyard fence improves safety, advances quality ratings, and allows home-based providers to accommodate more children.
Improving engagement with home-based providers was a priority. After a three-month application period with dual language support (English and Spanish), LISC received 45 applications from home-based providers, a significant increase compared to previous rounds."
More Idea’s From Brett Smiley
Mayor Brett Smiley Signed Executive Order To Strengthen Trust Between Police Officers And Immigrant Communities
Idea Category: Immigration | Funding Source: ARP
Mayor Brett Smiley Supports Housing Affordability Plan To Address Housing Crisis in Rhode Island
Idea Category: Housing | Funding Source: ARP
Community EMS Bike Response Program
Idea Category: 2025 Ideas Challenge, Improving Quality of Life | Funding Source: ARP
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley Cut the Ribbon on the City’s New and Improved India Point Park
Idea Category: Climate Change, Environment | Funding Source: ARP
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley Updates the city’s PVD311 Service Residents to Easily Report Issues to the City
Idea Category: Government Efficiency, Smart Government | Funding Source: ARP
ARPA Case Study: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley Responds to Housing Demands with New Construction
Idea Category: American Rescue Plan Act, Funding, Housing | Funding Source: ARP
Rhode Island Brett Smiley Directs $3 Million Grant for Building Resilience in Non-Profits Serving Underserved Providence Communities Program
Idea Category: Equity & Opportunity, Housing, Infrastructure | Funding Source: ARP
California Mayor Matt Mahan Aim To Use AI-powered Road Safety System
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan promoted the impact of his innovative urban infrastructure policy that...
Councilman Brian Knudsen Launches Plan For New Medical Infastructure
Las Vegas Councilman Brian Knudsen announced that the new $44 million NHBC Academic Laboratory will...
