Learn More About PSAM and the PSAM Purchasing Grant Here...

Download the resources:
PSAM Purchasing Grant Fact Sheet (Word .doc 28KB)
PSAM Purchasing Grant FAQs (Word .doc 32KB)

Download the forms:
Application for Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program Long Order Form
Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program Screen Print Order Form

Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program

1. What is the Provider Self-Assessment and Mentoring (PSAM) Purchasing Grant Program?
   The PSAM Purchasing Grant Program is a program that will let qualified child care agencies obtain certain kinds of materials, equipment and/or furnishings to help them meet some of the requirements of the Environment Rating Scales and improve the quality of their programs.
   
   
2. Which child care agencies qualify for this program?
   To qualify for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program a child care agency must:
   • Be a Tennessee Department of Human Services licensed and approved facility that has signed a PSAM Provider Agreement and is actively participating in PSAM services, AND
   • Have at least one child enrolled who is receiving services through the Child Care Certificate Program, AND
   • Be in good standing with DHS Programs (Licensing, Child Care Certificate, Child and Adult Care Food Program)
     • To be in good standing with DHS Licensing, there must not be any litigation procedures currently being taken against the child care agency, including:
       • probation
       • denial, suspension, or revocation of license
       • civil penalties
         
         
3. How does an agency apply for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program?
   To apply for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program, the agency and the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Specialist will complete an application and order form for items the agency needs based on the agency's program assessment and program improvement plan.
   
   
4. When can an agency apply?
   The PSAM Purchasing Grant Program begins July 1, 2008. Qualified child care providers whose annual license is renewed July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 and have received their licensing packet containing their assessment results can apply for a PSAM Purchasing Grant.
   
   
5. How much money is available in the purchasing grants?
   Purchasing grants will range from $500 to $2000.
   
   
6. How often can an agency apply?
   Qualified child care agencies may apply one time during each licensing renewal year.
   
   
7. Will DHS send the agency a check to purchase the items?
   No, DHS Purchasing Grant Program staff will order the materials, equipment, and furnishings requested and have them shipped directly from the vendor to the child care agency.
   
   
8. How does an agency decide what to purchase?
   A CCR&R Specialist will work with the Director/Provider to review the agency's Report Card and assessment results along with their program improvement goals and together decide what to order to improve the quality of their program.
   
   
9. What can an agency order from the PSAM Grant Program?
   PSAM Purchasing Grants can be used to purchase items needed based on the agency's most recent assessment results. Following are examples of products that can be ordered through the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program:
   • blocks and block accessories
   • books and pictures
   • soft pillows, toys, and area rugs
   • art and craft materials
   • dramatic or dress up play materials and dolls
   • fine motor materials
   • math and number materials
   • music and movement materials
   • nature and science materials
   • sensory play materials
   • furnishings for play, learning, relaxation, comfort, and routine care including tables, chairs, shelves, cribs
   • portable outdoor play equipment (but not stationary playground equipment or resilient surfacing)
   
   PSAM Purchasing Grants cannot be used for:
   
   • Capital improvements like building additions
   • Kitchen or office equipment
   • Computers, TVs or VCRs
   • Improvements to meet basic licensing requirements, including fire, environmental, or ADA standards
     
     
10. How will the application be processed?
    When the application and order forms are received, purchasing grant program staff at DHS and the University of Tennessee College of Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (UT-SWORPS) will review and process the purchasing requests.
    
    The reviewers will consider:
    • the size and type of the agency
    • the type and amount of materials
    • whether these items would help the agency meet the requirements of the Environment Rating Scales
      
      
11. What if the purchasing grant program staff has questions about the order?
    If a reviewer has questions about any of the items in the order, the purchasing grant program staff will contact the CCR&R Specialist to discuss the item and why it was requested as part of the order. If necessary, the CCR&R Specialist will contact the agency to decide how to address the reviewer's concerns.
    
    
12. Does an agency have to participate in the STAR-Quality Program or have stars to be eligible for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program?
    No, any child care agency that meets the eligibility requirements for the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program can apply. An agency does not have to be in the Star-Quality Program or have stars in order to apply.
    
    
13. What will happen if some items on the PSAM Purchasing Grant order are not available at the time they are ordered?
    All reasonable efforts will be made to purchase the items that have been requested. However, in the event items are not available, those items will not be ordered.
    
    
14. What are the responsibilities of the agency once the items are received?
    Any agency that receives materials, equipment and/or furnishings purchased by the PSAM Purchasing Grant Program must also:
    • Agree to use all merchandise purchased with a PSAM Purchasing Grant in the child care agency listed in the application
    • Agree to keep all packing slips from all orders and mail these within two business days of receipt of the order to UT-SWORPS
    • Agree to continue to participate in PSAM Services with CCR&R

This project is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Human Services and the
University of Tennessee College of Social Work Office of Research and Public Service.

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