$45 million available to build & expand early childhood services

[August 30, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- 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 Gov. 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 10 percent funding match, for grants that will construct, acquire, renovate, equip or expand facilities that serve the educational needs of children up to age 5 in underserved areas of the state. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 14.

The grant program is administered by the Capital Development Board 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 Jim Underwood, CDB executive director.

[Text from news release from the Illinois Capital Development Board]