Utah Admin. Code R986-700-771 - Grants for Child Care Start-up Costs

(1) In addition to the definitions found in Section 35A-3-212, the following definitions apply to this section:

(a) "Start-up Costs" means one-time expenses incurred to plan, organize, and launch a new eligible child care business or to expand an existing business, including initial acquisition of materials and supplies for the business, furnishings, minor renovations needed to comply with health and safety requirements, and licensing and inspection fees.

(b) "Start-up Costs" does not mean ongoing expenses for a provider, including property purchase or rent, office equipment and furnishings, vehicles, legal expenses, salaries, advertising, insurance, utilities, food, and other operating costs.

(2) OCC may contract with an organization to administer the grants.

(3)

(a) OCC will announce the availability of the grants, and establish a due date for applications.

(b) OCC or the organization contracted to administer the grant shall develop grant application forms and make them available.

(4) To be considered for a grant an eligible child care provider shall submit the following information:

(a) the provider's name, address, phone, and email;

(b) the name and contact information for a responsible person;

(c) the facility address;

(d) licensed capacity, expected staffing levels, hours of operation, anticipated charges to parents, and the applicant's experience as a child care provider;

(e) a valid child care facility identification number from the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Background Checks;

(f) if applicable, proof the provider has a contract with an employer to provide child care services; and

(g) a detailed explanation of the requested amount for startup costs, including:

(i) estimates from reliable sources showing the costs of the projects proposed to be funded with the grant, including materials, labor, or licensing and inspection fees;

(ii) a budget detailing how the requested funds would be used;

(iii) the need for the proposed project; and

(iv) other funding sources for the proposed child care provider.

(5) Each application will be evaluated based on availability of COVID-19 relief funds, viability of the proposed child care provider, and amount of requested grant funds.

(6) This grant program expires on September 30, 2024. All grant funds must be awarded before that date.

(7) The Office may provide start-up cost grants to existing child care providers, to expand physical capacity or open a new location.

(8)

(a) An applicant whose application is denied may protest by submitting a written request to OCC.

(i) OCC shall review the decision to deny the application and may uphold, reverse, or modify the decision.

(ii) An applicant may protest the OCC review decision to the executive director or the director's designee.

(b) The executive director or designee shall determine if the information provided in the application justifies OCC's decision to deny the application. The executive director or designee may uphold, reverse, or modify the decision. The decision of the executive director or designee is final.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R986-700-771

Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2022-19, effective 10/1/2022