Resources

Qualistar Early Learning is excited to offer child care professionals a library of resources. Learn about both national and local organizations that serve child care professionals, and explore the many types of grants and loans that are available for quality improvement work, continuing education, and much more.

Featured Resources!

NEW! 2008 Shade Structure Program
The American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) Shade Structure Program are grant awards ($8,000 each) for the purchase of permanent shade structures designed to provide shade and ultraviolet (UV) ray protection for outdoor areas. The Shade Structure Program is open to non-profit organizations or educational institutions that serve children and teenagers, ages 18 and younger. To be considered applicants must: o Be sponsored by an Academy member dermatologist o Demonstrate a commitment to sun safety within their organization o Agree to meet the time line outlined below The deadline for grant applications is Wednesday, March 5, 2008.

NEW! The Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition (COPAN) Program
The Colorado Physical Activity and Nutrition (COPAN) Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are pleased to announce the availability of grants to support physical activity and nutrition programs focused on early childhood. Programs may be designed for children ages birth through six or their parents, or for organizations that provide services to this age group or their parents, including family child care providers, child care centers, WIC agencies, local health departments, and other qualifying agencies. Grants of up to $2,000 each will be available to implement strategies from the following guidance documents (family day care sponsors may receive up to $3000): COPAN’s Child Care Champions Best Practices guidebook and the Colorado Early Childhood Resource Kit (found at www.livewellcolorado.com).

NEW! Boettcher Foundation Early Learning Capital Fund--Facility Improvement Grant
The Boettcher Foundation Early Learning Capital Fund will provide grants up to $5,000 for facility improvements. Applicants must be nonprofit corporations with a current Qualistar Rating and demonstrate a 1:1 match with other funds. The improvement project must benefit children ages 0-5 years old. The funds must be used for physical improvements to the facility and may not be used for general operating purposes.

NEW! Boettcher Foundation Early Learning Capital Grant
Qualistar Early Learning invites you to apply for a Capital Grant to support quality improvements in your child care facility. This funding is made possible through the Boettcher Foundation Early Learning Capital Fund, which Qualistar will administer statewide through 2010.

The Boettcher Foundation Early Learning Capital Fund will provide grants up to $25,000 for major expansions or renovations to your facility. Applicants must be nonprofit corporations, demonstrate a 4:1 match with other funds and complete the attached application. The project must benefit children ages 0-5 years old. The funds must be used for physical improvements to the facility and may not be used for general operating purposes.