News & Events

Southwest Regional Development Commission️ September 23, 2026

TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY Visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9NZT3NG

Southwest Regional Development Commission️ September 14, 2026

Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP) is a community engagement process designed to address the challenges of child care in rural America. The Rural Child Care Innovation Program is based on the fundamental idea that rural communities are greater than their size in numbers and greater than their current challenges. By mobilizing and empowering rural communities, the landscape of early care and education is changing in rural America. Rural Minnesota communities are invited to apply for the 2026-2027 cohort. The number of communities accepted in the RCCIP Process will be limited. Applications for the Rural Child Care Innovation Program will open on July 15, 2026. The application deadline is: Application Deadline will be September 18, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST While many communities have child care shortages, only some are ready to roll up their sleeves and embark on the journey to address this critical community issue. Through this competitive process, First Children’s Finance will select communities who demonstrate commitment to the community engagement process over an 18-24 month period.​​ Informational Webinar To learn more about the program and the benefits to participating communities, watch our informational webinar from August 05,2026 - here​ Selected Communities Eligible communities will be awarded September 30, 2026. ​ Questions If you have questions regarding the RCCIP application process or to request a separate application for another community engagement process such as the Child Care Strategic Supply Plan, please contact: First Children's Finance MN Team at:

http://www.ruralchildcare.org

Minnesota Application | rccip

Historically all RCCIP activities have been held in-person. Post-pandemic we have developed…