Providence mayor named finalist in national policy competition for city child care grant program

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has been named a finalist in a national policy competition for rollout of a nearly $2 million city grant program that helped two dozen early child care providers in Providence upgrade their spaces.

Smiley was one of five city or state leaders recognized for effective use of federal funding based on the city’s $1.9 million Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program, the city announced on Friday. 

More than 80 projects were submitted as part of the 2023 National Ideas Challenge, a biennial competition held by a network of self-identified “pro-growth progressive” state and local officials known as The NewDEAL.

A panel of policy experts evaluated the submissions based on how well they used federal funds to improve quality of life and meet community needs for residents, with five finalists each for four categories, for a total of 20 finalists.

Providence’s program was funded by money from the American Rescue Plan Act as well as the city’s general operating revenue. The city through contracted administrator Local Initiatives Support Corporation awarded grants in July to 16 home-based child care providers, and eight center-based providers, for projects ranging from renovation and capital building improvements to health and safety regulations as well as meeting licensing requirements. Many of the recipient businesses are owned by women of color, according to the city.  

“In order to improve the long-term outcomes for our students it is important we ensure every student has access to high-quality early education opportunities,” Mayor Brett Smiley said in a statement. 

“I am thrilled that Providence’s work to support and uplift childcare providers and centers across the city is being recognized and I am looking forward to seeing the meaningful improvements the funding from this program will provide.” 

The 16 home-based child care providers who shared a total of $425,000 were: Anadilia Home Daycare, Derek Daycare, Reyna Home Daycare, K&Y Home Daycare, Flor Home Daycare, Sagrado Corazón, Carmen Home Daycare, Daycare Estrella, Luisa Carrasco, Altagracia Home Daycare, Rishell Home Daycare, Nana’s Home Daycare, Las Avispitas, Ortiz Home Daycare, Arcoiris Home Daycare, and Camila’s Home Daycare. 

Grants totaling $667,441 were awarded to these eight child care centers: Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Center, Capital City Community Center, Meeting Street Early Learning Center, Federal Hill House Association, Montessori Community School of Rhode Island and three Children’s Friend and Service locations. 

Other finalists in this category included an Oregon state representative; the mayors of  Scranton, Pennsylvania and St. Louis; and a Chester County, Pennsylvania commissioner.

Competition winners will be announced next month and featured in The NewDEAL’s annual leadership conference in D.C, as well as in the online publication Governing.