Request for Proposal
Application By Invite Only:
Expanding Infant and Toddler Programs in LA Jewish Preschools
Overview and Objective:
EarlyJ is seeking proposals from Jewish preschools in the Los Angeles area in either establishing new infant and toddler classrooms or expanding existing ones.
Purpose of the grant:
This grant is intended to support Jewish preschools in the Los Angeles area in either establishing new infant and toddler classrooms or expanding existing ones. Our goal is to increase capacity by investing in the necessary physical infrastructure to support high-quality care for children ages 0-2. We believe that engaging families early in their child’s journey through high-quality infant and toddler care is key to fostering lifelong Jewish identity, building strong community connections, and creating continuity in Jewish ECE.
Opening infant and toddler care presents a valuable opportunity to address enrollment challenges while meeting the evolving needs of families. We understand the unique dynamics of early childhood programs and are committed to supporting preschools in expanding their reach, increasing enrollment, and fostering meaningful early family engagement.
Grant Priorities:
Funding must be used to create or expand a preschool’s infant and/or toddler program to increase overall preschool enrollment. Proposals may include the following components:
- Renovating or expanding existing spaces or constructing new rooms/spaces to meet licensing and safety requirements for infant and toddler care
- Creating or upgrading outdoor play areas designed specifically for infants and toddlers, including developmentally appropriate equipment and safety features
- Purchasing age-appropriate furnishings, equipment, and materials to create a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment
- Supporting licensing fees and compliance needs related to infant/toddler program approval
- Providing professional development to help new educators succeed in an infant/toddler setting
Application Components:
We invite interested Jewish preschools to complete the form, which will serve as their letter of intent (LOI) and includes the following components:
- Organization name, contact information, and overview
- Preschool vision for infant/toddler expansion. Please address the following:
- Do you currently serve infants or toddlers?
- Are you planning to launch a new class or expand existing ones?
- Do you have available or potential space for an infant/toddler classroom?
- What is the status of your licensing or plans to obtain infant/toddler licensing?
- What is the projected capacity for each infant/toddler class? Do you anticipate reaching full capacity? How will this expansion increase your enrollment?
- What percentage of new children do you estimate will be Jewish or identify as Jewish?
- What is your intended timeline for this expansion?
- Additional funding
- Sustainability plan
- Budget summary
Application Criteria:
- Existing and new Jewish nonprofit preschools located in Los Angeles Area
- Preschools with a demonstrated commitment to high-quality Jewish ECE
- Preschools with a clear plan to increase enrollment and impact through infant/toddler programming
- Funds from EarlyJ are contingent upon the preschool obtaining all necessary licensing and regulatory approvals
