Providing high-quality after school care in Tennessee requires dedication and the right resources. For those wondering who supplies materials for after school care programs in Tennessee, the answer isn’t a single supplier, but rather a network of support systems designed to help programs like yours thrive. Tennessee offers a variety of grants, supplements, and shared services to ensure your program has access to the necessary tools and materials. This guide outlines key resources available to enhance your after school care program and ensure you have the supplies needed to create a nurturing and enriching environment.
WAGE$® Program: Investing in Your Educators
One of the most significant investments in any after school care program is in its educators. Tennessee’s Child Care WAGE$® program directly addresses this by providing salary supplements to early childhood educators. This program aims to reduce turnover and reward educators for their commitment and higher education in early childhood fields.
Educators in licensed child care facilities earning $20 per hour or less, with at least six months at their current facility and relevant early childhood education credits, are eligible. The supplement amount varies based on education level, ranging from $600 to $7,800 annually, paid in two installments. These funds can indirectly support material acquisition by ensuring program stability and attracting qualified staff who can effectively utilize program resources.
For detailed eligibility criteria and application information, visit the WAGE$ website at www.tnwages.org.
| Level | Education Required | Annual Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1* | 6 credit hours in early childhood education | $600.00 |
| Level 2* | National CDA (course credit or training hours ) or 12 early childhood education credit hours or Basics in Early Childhood Technical Certificate | $800.00 |
| Level 3* | 18 hours early childhood credit hours or Infant and Toddler Technical Certificate or Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate or 24 credit hours of general education with at least 12 in early childhood education | $1,350.00 |
| Level 4* | 36 credit hours of general education plus or including 18 in early childhood education | $2,100.00 |
| Level 5* | 50 credit hours of general education plus or including 24 in early childhood education | $2,850.00 |
| Level 6* | 60 credit hours of general education plus or including 30 in early childhood education | $3,300.00 |
| Level 7 | Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree with fewer than 12 credit hours in early childhood education or Associate Degree plus or including at least 24 credit hours in early childhood education | $3,750.00 |
| Level 8 | 90 credits toward Bachelor’s Degree plus or including at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education or Bachelor’s Degree plus or including at least 12 credit hours in early childhood education | $4,050.00 |
| Level 9 | Bachelor’s Degree plus or including at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education Master’s Degree plus or including at least 12 credit hours in early childhood education | $5,400.00 |
| Level 10 | Bachelor’s Degree plus or including 30 credit hours in early childhood education or Master’s Degree plus or including 24 credit hours in early childhood education | $7,800.00 |
*Temporary levels require advancement within two years to maintain eligibility. Part-time supplement amounts are prorated.
ChildcareTennessee: Shared Services and Resources at Your Fingertips
ChildcareTennessee.com acts as a centralized online hub offering a wealth of resources for child care providers. This platform aligns with Tennessee state requirements and provides no-cost access to business management, human resources, program administration, and classroom resources. By leveraging these tools, after school care programs can streamline operations and dedicate more focus to direct child care and acquiring necessary materials. DHS Licensed Child Care agencies also benefit from shared services, including bulk purchasing options at discounted rates, which can significantly reduce the cost of supplies and materials for your program.
Click here for more information and to register for a free account.
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Child Care Enhancement Grants: Boosting Capacity and Quality
Tennessee’s Child Care Enhancement Grants are specifically designed to help licensed child care agencies, including after school programs, increase capacity, enhance quality, and ensure compliance with state standards. A base grant amount of $4000 is available, with supplemental funds up to $1000 each for programs meeting specific criteria such as operating in economically distressed counties, completing Infant and Toddler Specialization, pursuing national accreditation, participating in the Child Care Certificate Program, or undergoing compliance remediation.
Crucially for material acquisition, allowable expenditures under these enhancement grants include equipment and program enhancements, such as:
- Equipment: Playground materials, furnishings to increase capacity, sanitation equipment, assistive technology, learning materials, health and safety supports (detectors, alarms, safety systems, emergency kits). Items must be under $5000 each.
- Program Enhancements, including Supplies: Learning and educational materials (books, toys), parent information resources, professional development, curriculum for diverse needs, wellness and physical activity resources, and materials to strengthen health and safety standards.
These grants provide a direct avenue to secure funding for the materials and equipment essential for a thriving after school care program.
Find additional information here: Member Services – ChildcareTennessee (childcaretn.com)
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Pediatric First Aid and CPR Training: Ensuring a Safe Environment
Safety is paramount in after school care. Tennessee offers no-cost Pediatric First Aid and CPR training and certification to child care educators and administrators. This ensures your staff are well-prepared to handle emergencies and maintain a safe environment for the children in your care. While not directly materials, safety training is an essential resource contributing to overall program quality and peace of mind for parents. Find training dates and information on the Child Care Resource and Referral’s (CCR&R) website: https://www.tnccrr.org/
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Business Academies: Strengthening Program Management
Effective management is crucial for the sustainability of any after school care program. Small Business Academies in Tennessee focus on strengthening the business operations of child care agencies. Academies cover areas like budgeting, financial planning, financial reports, marketing, and staff recruitment and retention. Improved business practices can free up resources and funding that can be redirected towards program materials and enhancements.
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Establishment and Expansion Grants: Growing Child Care Access
Tennessee is dedicated to increasing access to quality child care. Establishment and Expansion Grants provide financial support for new and expanding licensed child care agencies, including after school programs. These grants can cover costs associated with furniture, equipment, supplies, and curriculum. If you are starting a new after school care program or looking to expand your existing capacity, these grants can provide crucial initial investment in materials and resources.
Existing agencies looking to expand should contact their Licensing Consultant to begin the process.
Conclusion: Building a Resource-Rich After School Care Program
While there isn’t one single entity that supplies materials for after school care programs in Tennessee, the state offers a comprehensive network of resources and funding opportunities. By leveraging programs like WAGE$®, ChildcareTennessee, Enhancement Grants, and others, after school care providers can secure the financial support, resources, and training necessary to acquire materials, enhance program quality, and create enriching environments for children across Tennessee. Explore these resources to build a stronger, more sustainable, and well-equipped after school care program.
