$45 million available to build and expand early childhood services

Capital construction grants now available for early childhood services

 

 $45 million appropriation will create more than 300

construction jobs, meet educational needs in underserved areas

 

Springfield, IL – Applications are now being accepted for construction grants to increase the availability of early childhood services in underserved areas of Illinois.  The grants are part of a $45 million appropriation under Governor Pat Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program.  The projects funded by the grants will create more than 300 construction jobs.

Illinois public school districts or not for profit entities may apply for up to $5 million in funding, with a required ten percent funding match, for grants that will construct, acquire, renovate, equip, or expand facilities that serve the educational needs of children ages zero to five in underserved areas of the state.  Applications will be accepted through November 14, 2011.  The grant program is administered by the Capital Development Board (CDB) in consultation with the Illinois State Board of Education.  Links to the grant application and rules are available at www.cdb.state.il.us.

 “These early childhood education grants will increase badly needed services for Illinois families, plus they will create hundreds of construction jobs for Illinois workers.  This is a win-win situation,” said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood.