Since 1998, the CCRD, through the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, has operated programs that offer a number of grants to expand the availability and improve the quality of child care in western Pennsylvania. This fiscal year, July 1 through June 30, the state Department of Public Welfare has provided more than $1.4 million to the Western CCRD to distribute to child-care providers who are certified or in the process of being certified by DPW.

Child-care providers or those interested in starting a child-care business may be eligible for funding and technical assistance. Grants can provide up to $10,000 either to start a day care or expand the number of hours and/or children that a provider already serves or up to $5,000, to help providers meet basic health and safety standards.

Money is available in all 23 counties of western Pennsylvania.

Anyone wanting a grant application should call the Western CCRD at (877) 349-4850. Identify your county and ask to speak with an outreach coordinator, who will explain the application process and answer questions.

Last fiscal year, the Western CCRD distributed $15,168 to 12 residents of Mercer County.