Technology Enhancement Mini-Grant

The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) is pleased to offer contracted child care providers the opportunity to apply for aTechnology Enhancement Mini-Grant worth$500. There will be a total of 17 mini-grants available.

Purpose:

The ELC believes technology can have a significant, positive impact on business practices and provides opportunities for administrative efficiencies. The State of Florida continues to work on statewide technology systems that will replace many of the “paper” processes currently in use and will be the only option for submitting and reporting information related to the School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten programs. The ELC has already implemented systems that rely heavily on technology, such as the provider portal for submitting rosters, sign in/outsheets, and contracts and the Teaching Strategies GOLD observational assessment system.

Technology is also becoming a key component in the education of young children. The use of computers and tablets by children has become so common that many developers of early childhood curriculum are developing lessons to be used via technology. The national emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in all educational settings further demonstrates the importance of that technology.

  1. Mini-Grant Application: READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING
  1. Complete the mini-grant application on the attached page, review it carefully, sign and date it.
  2. Upload the completed application to the provider portal by close of business on the below due date.

The deadline for submission isFriday, February 27, 2015.

Once you submit your application, ELCstaff will review and contact you no later thanFriday, March 202015,with the outcome.

*** IF ANY OF THE REQUESTED INFORMATION IS MISSING, THE APPLICATION WILL BE DENIED AND YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL OF THAT DENIAL. ***

  1. Follow-Up Requirements:

Oncemini-grant-related purchases have been received, you must provide the ELCwith the following items no later than May 1, 2015: (Note: If these items are not provided by this deadline, you will be asked to return the mini-grant funds to the ELC)

  1. Evidence of receipt of the product signed by the Director or Owner of the child care site. (For example, a packing slip or a cash register receipt)
  2. Evidence of payment for the product. (For example, a cancelled check or a cash register receipt
  3. A written description of how the items purchased will enhance service delivery, impact quality or create administrative efficiencies. Providers may be asked to provide additional statements, pictures, videos, etc. of the purchased technology being used.

Technology Enhancement Mini-Grant Application

  1. Provider Contact Information:

Site Name: ______Phone Number: ______

Name of Contact Person: ______Email Address: ______

Mailing Address: ______

City: ______State: FLORIDA Zip: ______

  1. Narrative Section: This section must be 200 words or fewer and typed or printed for ease of reviewing.
  1. Identify the technology item(s) you will purchase, if awarded the mini-grant the total cost of each item(s)and the vendor/company from which you will purchase the item(s). The fundscan be used to purchase any number of items up to the mini-grant amount or it can be used to pay for a portion of a larger purchase. If the total purchase price of the equipment will exceed the mini-grant award, identify the balance remaining to be paid and describe how you will pay that balance.
  2. Explain how the purchase of this technology will enhance the educational experiences of the children in your care and/or increase administrative efficiencies within your business.
  3. Upload the completed application to the provider portal (Reimbursement Folder) by close of business on February 27, 2015.

IMPORTANT: The ELC will award mini-grants based on the description of the need for, and intended use of, the item(s) to be purchased as described in b. above.

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Signature of Mini-Grant Applicant Date

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Printed Name of Mini-Grant Applicant Title