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Program Overview

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Pre-Application

    • Site location is within Harris County

    • Open and operating for a minimum of 12 months from the date of pre-application

    • Hold an active Texas Child Care License and is in good standing* *Programs with 3 or more high-risk deficiencies related to supervision violations are ineligible

    • Must accept Child Care Services (CCS) scholarships and have active enrollment from eligible families

    • Eligible program types include: o Registered Child Care Homes o Licensed Child Care Homes o Licensed Child Care Centers

    • Can provide proof of site control* *Leased sites will be subject to occupancy requirements (see Section 1.1.2 in Program Guidelines) *Providers who own their site must show deed of ownership

  • ​The SHINE team has reviewed, assessed, and scored each pre-application based on the priority selection criteria below. The pre-applications with the highest-ranking priority scores were selected to move to the priority cohort, and those not meeting the highest priority ranking were moved to our waitlist where they will remain on file should additionally funding become available.​​

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    • Projects with urgent timelines, critical deadlines, under contract and/or underway

    • Applicant has been operating a child care center or home for at least 18 months.

    • A minimum of 20% of program enrollment are children receiving Child Care Services (CCS) or scholarships from the Harris County Early REACH program.

    • Applicant has proof of site control documentation (Property Deed, Signed Lease Agreement, or Signed Letter of Intent). Applicant has a written business plan that reflects their proposed project.

    • Applicant has a project budget that shows sources of funding and uses of funding for the entire proposed project.

    • Applicant has a current operating budget. Applicant specializes or will specialize in serving special populations (i.e. dual language programs, children with exceptional needs, homeless/foster/ migrant, etc.).

    • Applicant serves infants and toddlers (age 3 and under) Applicant facility is in a subsidy-serving desert.

    • Applicant facility is located in an area that has a Social Vulnerability Index score of .75 or above.

    • Applicant project proposal places emphasis on health, safety, accessibility, or environmental sustainability, and/or disaster recovery needs. 

    • Applicant facility is Texas Rising Star Level 3 or 4.

    • Applicant facility is located in a quality desert. Applicant projects that are co-located within or on the grounds of affordable housing.

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Grant Distribution and Monitoring

Priority Cohort Selection:

  • Funding tiers using priority scores up to the maximum grant award threshold ($200,000 for small centers, $400,000 for large centers, and $40,000 for home provers) to allow more providers to receive funding closer to their requested amounts while still funding a substantial number of providers.

  • This placing is based on whether additional funding becomes available. If additional funding becomes available, criteria for allocation will be established based on the remaining priority scores and available financing.

Project Feasibility & Readiness:

    • Site Control: Ensure ownership or lease documentation matches the site address.

    • Project Funding: Confirm all funding sources are identified and aligned with the project scope. For a list of eligible and/or ineligible expenses, review the Program Guidelines or the Eligible and Ineligible Uses for SHINE Grant resources on the Resource Library.

    • Timeline: Provide a clear timeline showing that the project can be completed on time.

    • Confirm the project can begin within six weeks of grant approval.

    • Ensure application materials, including proof of funding, are complete and accurate. For a comprehensive list of required documents, please review the SHINE Program Guidelines or Grant Application Process Guide on the Resources page.

For detailed information about SHINE, check out the Program Guidelines!

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Project Monitoring Requirements

    • Use of Funds Report: Details on fund expenditures.

    • Annual Status Report: Demonstrates the impact of funds.

    • Progress Reports: Demonstrates progress and submitted as requested by SHINE.

    • Depending on project size, construction monitoring with multiple payment disbursements may be required.

  • For projects over $75,000: Initial payment is disbursed upon signing the Grant Agreement. At 50% project completion, request the next disbursement. A construction monitor verifies completion and approves further payment disbursement.

Application Submission

    • Once your project is deemed ready and feasible by your case manager, you will receive an application link. Your application must include all required documents. Incomplete applications will be returned for revisions. Be prepared to provide additional details or clarification if requested.

    • Confirm the project can begin within six weeks of grant approval.

    • Ensure application materials, including proof of funding, are complete and accurate. For a comprehensive list of required documents, please review the SHINE Program Guidelines or Grant Application Process Guide on the Resources page.

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