FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 30, 2023
Kristine Dorame | kristine.dorame@state.co.us (CDEC)
$3 Million to be Awarded for Improving Indoor Air Quality Grant
Second Round of Funding Opens on February 1
DENVER — In partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) will distribute Improving Indoor Air Quality grants to address the growing need for filtered indoor air, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased frequency of wildfire smoke in Colorado as a result of climate change.
Indoor air quality has been proven to improve both short- and long-term outcomes for children, affecting not only physical health but behavior and education success as well. The Improving Indoor Air Quality grants will not only positively impact the health of children, but will also support the stabilization of the child care sector in the state, both by reducing utility costs through increased energy efficiency and by increasing the return of families enrolling their children in care through evidence-based COVID safety protocols.
A total of $3 million dollars will be awarded to providers to improve the quality of their indoor air through the purchase of portable air cleaners, retrofitting or replacing their HVAC system, or installing a new HVAC system if their home/center does not currently have one.
During the first round of funding, 268 providers, across 41 Colorado counties, were awarded between $2,000 and $25,000. Round 2 opens on February 1 2023, when an email with an application link will be sent to eligible providers. Interested providers can find more information in our FAQs.
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The Colorado Department of Early Childhood ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all Colorado’s young children, their families and early childhood professionals in all settings.
Learn more about the Colorado Department of Early Childhood at cdec.colorado.gov.