Great start to quality resource centers

The state of Michigan, through the Early Childhood Support Network (ECSN), is seeking applications from eligible organizations to become a Great Start to Quality Resource Center. The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to implement a coordinated system of high-quality supports for parents and providers within specified service areas in Michigan. The RFP covers four ECSN regions: Eastern, Northern, Southeastern, and Western. The key objectives include ensuring high-quality early learning and development programs, providing educator support, and offering consumer education to families. Eligible applicants include public and private businesses, organizations, and agencies, such as local education agencies, intermediate school districts, institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, community action agencies, tribal entities, and consortium partnerships. Proposals are due by April 15, 2021, with regional approvals in June 2021 and a statewide award announcement on July 1, 2021. The estimated project start date is October 1, 2021, with a contract duration of 5 years.

The funding for this opportunity comes from the Child Care Development and Block Grant (CCDBG), which includes both quality set-aside and infant-toddler set-aside funding. The RFP emphasizes the importance of providing a comprehensive system of supports and services to ensure children are enrolled in the most appropriate and high-quality child care settings. The total available funding and potential award values are not specified in the provided information.