Thriving Spaces Milwaukee

Parents, providers, and facility experts alike know that safe and inspiring learning environments lay the foundation for positive early childhood experiences. IFF’s Thriving Spaces Milwaukee program aims to increase capacity and improve access to quality early childhood education (ECE) by improving and expanding ECE facilities across three Milwaukee neighborhoods – Brewer’s Hill, Halyard Park, and Harambee.

Participating providers will have access to:

  • Grant funded facilities improvements
  • Professional development funding and opportunities

IFF’s Thriving Spaces Milwaukee program, funded by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, is part of a broader partnership with local ECE leaders across Milwaukee and is connected to the comprehensive community priorities and emerging impact of the ThriveOn Collaboration.

In partnership with its donors, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is committing $500,000 to support for-profit childcare providers in the City of Milwaukee with priority focus on our neighbors in Harambee, Halyard Park and Brewer’s Hill. To learn more about ThriveOn small business loans for childcare providers click here.

What’s included in the program — and how do I apply?

Providers must complete an application process to be selected to participate in a learning cohort and receive grant funding for facilities improvements. Providers may apply for a facilities project that either maintains or expands their current number of ECE slots, please see eligibility requirements below for more information.

How to Apply: Applications for Thriving Spaces are now closed. Please check back for future opportunities.

Eligibility: Eligibility varies based on whether providers are applying for an enhancement or expansion facilities project.

Providers interested in maintaining existing ECE slots and improving facilities quality must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a licensed home-based or center-based provider
  • Have at least a 2 on the YoungStar rating system
  • Been in operation a minimum of 2 years
  • Be able to demonstrate a legal right to make changes to the building
  • Serve ages infants (ages 0-3) in Brewer’s Hill, Halyard Park, or Harambee neighborhood

Providers interested in increasing ECE slots through facilities improvements must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a licensed home-based or center-based provider
  • Been in operation a minimum of 2 years
  • Be able to demonstrate site control
  • Have 3 stars or above on the YoungStar rating system
  • Serve children ages 0-5 in Brewer’s Hill, Halyard Park, or Harambee neighborhood

If you have question about the application process or eligibility requirements please email gro.ffi@secapsgnivirht.

Resources for Providers

Graphic: Quality Matters in Early Childhood Learning Spaces

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Quality Matters in Early Childhood Learning Spaces

 

Graphic: How Facility Architecture Impacts Brain Architecture

Feel free to download and share this graphic!