(Riley County, KS – June 28, 2023) The Riley County Health Department’s Raising Riley program is now able to offer $100 more per month to childcare scholarship recipients, thanks to increased funding from the Kansas Early Childhood Block Grant. The scholarship increase will be effective July 1, 2023.
Families currently enrolled in the program will receive the increase automatically. The program currently benefits 32 children in Riley County, and there’s room for more. Increased scholarship rates are 0-18 months $500, 18 months-3 years $450, and 3-5 years $400. Scholarship rates are subject to individual circumstances and awarded accordingly.
“We are grateful we can ease some of the childcare costs for families,” said Chelsea Manwarren, Raising Riley Community Outreach Coordinator. “Raising Riley is here to support families and childcare providers beyond the scholarship offer, as well. We have a full staff working to provide education, awareness, and resources.”
Families with children ages 0 to five years may be eligible for scholarship support based on income or circumstances. Find the application and list of qualifiers online at www.raisingriley.com.
For licensed childcare facilities to accept this grant funding, they simply need to partner with the Riley County Health Department, agreeing to periodic inspections and other requirements. A list of current partners is posted on the Raising Riley website.
“The partnership requirement exists so we can make sure the kids are getting high-quality care from licensed providers. Daycares interested in partnering with us can apply online or call our office for information. Both center-based and home-based daycares are welcome,” said Manwarren.
In addition to childcare scholarships, the Raising Riley program offers free literacy support, parent education classes, a parenting newsletter, play and learn events, and a book club for parents. The program is located in the Riley County Family and Child Resource Center at 2101 Claflin Road in Manhattan. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. – noon, and Thursday evenings by appointment. Call (785) 776-4779 ext.7626 or visit www.raisingriley.com for more information.
Raising Riley is funded with Tobacco Settlement Dollars from an Early Childhood Block Grant through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. Our local program goal aligns with the Cabinet’s Blueprint for Early Education to build a strong foundation for children and families in Riley County through shared vision, community collaboration and public-private partnerships.
