HCI will receive half million in new grants from the state to expand child care

Last week, Gov. Tim Walz announced $6.2 million in new grants to expand child care across the state. One of the 21 organizations with Child Care Economic Development Grants was Northfield's Healthy Community Initiative. HCI received a $500,000 grant as part of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Walz's office said this was the state’s largest-ever round of funding for this program and was expected to increase child care program capacity by 2,241 slots.

Tammy Wickstrom, director of child care community partnerships at DEED, said about the Northfield grantee: "The Healthy Community Initiative’s grant proposal showed strong partnerships and capacity-building," said Wickstrom. "Their proposal also offered two solutions to address child care shortages: a child care center and four special license family providers."

Wickstrom said the latter will provide family child care in non-residential spaces.

"This option can cost a significant amount for renovations upfront but have a big impact in the long term," she said. "The Health Community Initiative program will create 108 slots and 20 drop-in slots. DEED is proud to partner with them in their efforts to serve more families in the Northfield area."