Home Childcare Essentials awards $279,000 in grants from Seeding Justice Funding

Empowering Home Childcare Providers & Strengthening Communities

Home Childcare Essentials (HCE) is proud to celebrate the impact of the Seeding Justice Grant, which has played a pivotal role in expanding home-based childcare access across Washington and Multnomah Counties. This initiative has not only increased the availability of high-quality childcare but also empowered small business owners and BIPOC providers to establish and expand their programs.

Grant Impact Overview

Thanks to the Seeding Justice Grant, 103 new childcare slots have been created, benefiting families throughout Washington and Multnomah Counties. The funding has provided vital support to home-based providers, allowing them to increase capacity, improve environments, and ensure safe and enriching spaces for children.

By the Numbers:

• $279,000 in total grant funds awarded to providers

• 103 new childcare slots created

  • 93 new CF slots

  • 10 new RF slots

• 10 providers received grant support, including

  • 8 brand new Certified Family (CF) programs,

  • 1 Registered Family (RF) provider converted to CF, and

  • 1 new RF program

• New Slots By County

  • Multnomah County - 71

  • Washington County - 32

This expansion has had a direct impact on reducing waitlists and ensuring that more families have access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education.

Success Stories

Behind these numbers are the stories of dedicated childcare providers who have used their grants to create transformative spaces for young learners.

• Packy Academy (Alvin Johnson) – Certified Family (CF) – With $40,000 in grant funding, Alvin opened a new Certified Family program to serve 16 more children in Multnomah County. He used the funds to purchase classroom furniture, rugs, and materials, outdoor play equipment, rent, and wages. We are excited to share that Packy Academy was selected to participate in the Preschool for All!

• Brown Tyes (Yondella Hall) – Certified Family (CF) – With $40,000 Yondella in grant funding, Yondella opened a new Certified Family program to serve 16 more children in Multnomah County. She used 100% of her funds to enhance her classroom and playground environments! We are excited to share that Brown Tyes was also selected to participate in the Preschool for All!

• Little Train 2 (Miguel Barrios) – Certified Family (CF) – Miguel expanded their program with the opening of Little Train 2. With support from the funding, Miguel was able to establish a Certified Family program with 8 slots in Washington County. He used his funding to enhance his classroom and playground, ensuring a high-quality early learning environment.

• Little Explorers Learning Academy (Muna Mohammed) – Certified Family (CF) – She was brand new to the ECE field, and the funding and coaching provided her with all the necessary training to become a Step 8 provider. She completed her training and became eligible to open a Certified Family program! Muna launched her program with $24,000, creating 8 new slots and investing in high-quality early learning materials.

• Pikin Dem Childcare (Hadiatu Johnson) – Certified Family (CF) – Hadiatu used $40,000 to expand her childcare program, improving her learning environment with new educational materials and furniture. With these upgrades, she was able to create 15 new slots, meeting a critical need for quality early childhood education in her community. Additionally, Pikin Dem Childcare has been able to secure 10 slots with Preschool For All, further expanding access to free, high-quality early education for families in need. to expand her childcare program, improving her learning environment with new educational materials and furniture. With these upgrades, she was able to create 15 new slots, meeting a critical need for quality early childhood education in her community.

• Firefly Family Daycare (Rashin Hekmat) – Certified Family (CF) – Rashin utilized $9,000 to enhance safety and learning environments at Firefly Family Daycare. The grant allowed her to update outdoor play areas and classroom materials, creating a nurturing space for her 3 new RF slots.

• Amazing Kidz (Masika) – Registered Family to Certified Family (RF to CF) – With $9,000, Masika was able to improve classroom organization and invest in high-quality early learning tools. These enhancements provided an engaging and developmentally appropriate space for the children in her program.

• Wonder Minds (Amina Mohammed) – Certified Family (CF) – Amina received $39,000 to grow her program, allowing her to serve 13 additional children. She used the grant for curriculum development, classroom furniture, and professional development to enhance her teaching strategies.

• My Little Cub (Angel Smith) – Certified Family (CF) – Angel expanded her program with $24,000, adding 8 new slots. She focused on enhancing her classroom setup with culturally responsive learning materials and developmental resources to better support her students.

• Stay Shine Daycare (Saida Mahadi) – Registered Family (RF) – Saida used $30,000 to improve her daycare's environment and expand services to accommodate 10 new children. She invested in training, new classroom equipment, and outdoor play structures to create a holistic early learning experience.