In late 2021, the people of Reno County, Kansas, highlighted child care as the primary concern for the allocation of local American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In response, the Hutchinson City Council and the Reno County Board of Commission made significant financial commitments in 2022—$1.7 million and $4.5 million respectively—to enhance the local child care infrastructure. The United Way of Reno County has been entrusted as the fiscal sponsor for these combined funds.​ ​ Guiding the utilization of these resources is the Reno County Child Care Task Force. This leadership group includes seven key organizations and child care leaders from the community. The task force is dedicated to developing systematic, sustainable, and equitable child care solutions that will support providers, parents, and the broader business community.​ ​ A total of $2.5 million has been allocated for Retention Grants through 2026. These grants, which are modeled after the Child Care Aware of Kansas Sustainability Grants, offer unrestricted funding aimed at maintaining licensed child care facilities within Reno County. This initiative not only focuses on preserving quality child care services but also on gathering valuable data. Such data will explore potential efficiencies, shared services, and innovative business models that could significantly enhance child care availability, affordability, and quality. The comprehensive insights obtained will assist the Reno County Child Care Task Force in monitoring the effectiveness of the ARPA investments and in developing long-term strategies to strengthen the local child care system.

Permanent and current license through KDHE​ Home, group, and centers, including non-profit and for-profit.​ Care for children 0-5 all-day, all-year, no school age programs. However, you will be asked about school age programs on the application. ​ Located in Reno County, Kansas​ Must agree to all requirements.​ 6 months license

A total of $700,000 is available to be awarded in 2024. Individual grant awards will be based on a formula listed below. Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis AND grant checks will be issued 30 days after each submission window closes.​ ​ For Centers:​ Ages 0-12 months: $500 per child​ Ages 12 months to 2.5 years: $300 per child​ Ages 2.5 - 5 years: $200 per child​ ​ For Homes:​ Ages 0-18 months: $500 per child​ Ages 18 months - 5 years: $250 per child

The data gathered from the Retention Grants revealed a clear trend: both home providers and daycare centers face an annual loss of approximately $5,200 per infant care spot. In response, the Reno County Child Care Task Force has introduced an additional Infant Incentive as part of the quarterly Retention Grant Program. ​ ​ Using the quarterly Retention Grant submissions and deadlines, an additional infant incentive of $800 per infant will be applied per quarter to providers that qualify.

Applications will be accepted on the following timeline:​ Q1 2024 Applications (Jan 2024 - Mar 2024) - Deadline is April 30th, 2024​ Q2 2024 Applications (Apr 2024 - June 2024) - Deadline is July 31st, 2024​ Q3 2024 Applications (Jul 2024 - Sept 2024) - Deadline is October 31st, 2024 ​ Q4 2024 Applications (Oct 2024 - Dec 2024) - Deadline is January 31st, 2025​ Reporting Requirements: Since these grants are reimbursement based there will be no reporting requirements other than providing a detailed budget for this round of funding and we reserve the right to audit the data submitted to ensure accuracy. However, someone on behalf of the Reno County Childcare Taskforce may reach out to you for an impact story on how the dollars helped you and the children you serve.