Child care providers in Otter Tail County can apply to the new Child Care Capacity Grant Program. The program is intended to support child care program needs for existing providers and increase child care slots for new or expanding providers in Otter Tail County.

Access to quality and affordable child care is needed for people to live and work in the Otter Tail County region. In addition to keeping children safe and providing quality early childhood experiences, child care is a workforce need. 

According to a 2021 report from First Children’s Finance, 1,059 child care slots are needed in Otter Tail County. The Child Care Capacity Grant Program will help address this need by providing financial support to new providers who will add child care slots and existing providers who will retain the current supply of child care slots.

General program guidelines

Eligibility: Child care centers, family providers, and multiple-provider pod models are eligible to apply for the Child Care Capacity Grant Program if they are located in Otter Tail County, provide full-time child care, and have a current active license in good standing or be in the process of completing licensure. 

Visit www.ottertailcountymn.us/childcare for the complete eligibility list.

Use of funds 

Grant funds can be used to reimburse costs associated with equipment purchases, program needs, and facility improvements required by licensing and/or fire safety requirements.

Application process 

Access full program guidelines and the application form at www.ottertailcountymn.us/childcare. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis subject to the availability of funds.

“We have all realized that for parents to work in our communities, they need quality and affordable care for their children. These child care grants are one way to tell providers they are valued and provide a critical service in our communities,” said Otter Tail County Community Development Agency (CDA) Board Member and CEO of Vector Windows, Jeff Ackerson. 

More information about the Child Care Capacity Grant Program can be found at www.ottertailcountymn.us/childcare.