Child Care Grants from The Schenectady Foundation Focus on Quality of Facilities

Recognizing the importance of quality child care for working families, as well the critical role it plays in school success, The Schenectady Foundation established a five-year, $750,000 grant program to upgrade or renovate non-profit child care centers and school-age programs in Schenectady County.

Begun in 2003, the grant program, which is managed by the Capital District Child Care Coordinating Council, is designed to enhance and strengthen the healthy social and emotional development of children, families and child care program staff.

Most grants are in the $1,000 to $5,000 range, and award amounts generally do not exceed $10,000. Approximately $80,000 will be granted in 2006. Several grants already have been made resulting in significant changes in child care centers.

• Carver Child Development Center was awarded a grant of $9,055 to renovate the toddler classroom bathroom, and to install a new toilet and changing area. The Milestones II Program received $790 for improvements to toddler changing tables and sinks.
• St. Anthony's Early Childhood received $10,000 to install a fire safety system. Without the new system, which is required by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, St. Anthony's would have been unable to continue serving its 75 families with preschoolers.
• The YWCA of Schenectady received a grant of $10,150 to build new playgrounds at their child care centers at Steinmetz Homes and at Yates Village. Previously The Schenectady Foundation had granted $20,000 for a new playground at the YWCA's center at its main location on Washington Avenue.

For more information on the Child Care Facility Improvement Grant program, contact Abbe Kovacik at the Child Development Resource Center (388-0724 ext 323) akovacik@cdcccc.org.

Ensuring High Quality Child Care Professionals

The Schenectady Foundation Funds SCCC Early Childhood Education Scholarships

During the past four years, a grant from The Schenectady Foundation has made it possible for 120 students to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education at Schenectady County Community College.

The Foundation made a five-year, $192,000 commitment to provide scholarships for students enrolled in SCCC's Early Childhood Education program. These students will be prepared to work and advance in the field of child care, providing outstanding care for children and families. For many, the scholarship was the difference that made it possible to pursue their degree. As one participant wrote, "If it were not for the scholarship, I would not be able to finish college. I just want you to know that I appreciate having the opportunity to finish the program and to have my daughters see their mother graduate."

The scholarship is a cornerstone in the Foundation's effort to bolster early childhood development programs. By ensuring better-educated and prepared teachers in child care settings, we increase the likelihood of young children achieving developmental milestones. Quality childcare can help drive changes in child development, and in the ability of children to enter school ready to succeed.

This grant is having a far-reaching and positive effect in the community - from the students who will be well-trained for a rewarding job to the young children who will benefit from their expertise to the SCCC program, which continues to see an increase in student registrations.