NAPA, CA – Childcare providers are encouraged to apply for Napa County’s Childcare Infrastructure Forgivable Loan Program. The goal of the $3.8 million program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is to create or preserve infant and preschool childcare spots. The program funds are for one-time costs, which can include acquiring a facility, renovating a facility, licensing fees and other one-time expenses.
Government, nonprofit and private for-profit childcare providers are eligible recipients for this program. Applicants must meet certain qualifications, including a license by the California Department of Social Services at the start of childcare services being provided. For a full list of qualifications, click here.
Eligible projects must be one-time expenses, like the cost to acquire a facility, costs to build a facility, and furniture and other facility costs. Eligible projects include:
- Cost to acquire a facility, such as down payment costs
- Costs to build a facility
- Costs to renovate a facility
- Licensing fees
- Furniture and other facility costs
- Real estate broker fees
Forgivable loans cannot exceed the actual cost of the eligible expense and will be granted at a three percent interest rate. The loan must be associated with a childcare facility providing infant or preschool childcare services in Napa County.
To comply with ARPA requirements, the county will regularly monitor forgivable loan recipients. Recipients will agree to maintain infant and preschool childcare slots for the term of the loan to then convert the loan to a grant. Childcare slots designated for low-income families will receive preference.
For the full list of qualifications and/or to apply, click here.
For questions about the Napa County Childcare Program, please contact Senior Management Analyst Daniel Sanchez at [email protected].
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