Historically all RCCIP activities have been held in-person. With the pandemic we have developed systems to adapt the RCCIP process so it can be done in-person, virtually or a combination of both. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the core team lead and First Children’s Finance staff depending upon regulations and the current situation with the pandemic.
MN APPLICATION
Child care is an economic driver for rural communities across the United States but many communities are facing shortages of high quality child care. First Children’s Finance’s Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP) is a community engagement process designed to address the challenges of child care in rural America.
The Rural Child Care Innovation Program is based on the fundamental idea that rural communities are greater than their size in numbers and greater than their current challenges. By mobilizing and empowering rural communities, the landscape of early care and education is changing in rural America.
Rural Minnesota communities for the first round of applicants in 2023-2024 cohort have been awarded. We will be opening a second application round for the 2023-2024 cohort on January 8, 2024. Please revisit this webpage to apply, or email infomn@firstchildrensfinance.org with any questions regarding the second application round:
Round 1: Eligible communities were awarded.
Round 2: Application opening January 8, 2024.
While many communities have child care shortages, only some are ready to roll up their sleeves and embark on the journey to address this critical community issue. Through this competitive process, First Children’s Finance will select communities who demonstrate commitment to the community engagement process over an 18-24 month period.
Informational Webinar
Consider attending the information webinar to learn more about the program and the benefits to participating communities:
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Round 2: Save the date - January 22, 2024. Check back in early December for the registration link.
Selected Communities
Communities selected to participate will be notified by e-mail.
Round 1: Eligible communities were awarded.
Round 2: No later than February 23, 2024.
Download:
Questions
If you have additional questions during the application process, please contact:
First Children's Finance MN Team at infomn@firstchildrensfinance.org
*** This application process is intended to support RURAL communities to increase and sustain the supply of child care. This application process is NOT for individual providers.
©2020 Rural Child Care Innovation Program
A program of First Children's Finance sponsored by Minnesota Department of Human Services