OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced $7 million in grants for early childhood education centers across the state.
The grant, funded by the Early Learning Facilities Program, will provide financial assistance to cover health and safety improvements at the centers, including equipment and facility upgrades.
Of 179 applicants, 64 licensed early childhood education centers were approved to receive funds.
“These grants preserve critical facilities that give parents options to meet their family's needs and increase access to and availability of quality child care,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Fong. “We know child care is a barrier to employment for families, and by ensuring children have a place where they can thrive, we can advance economic opportunity for Washington state families.”
The Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Department of Commerce considered several factors when selecting the sites, including the number of available slots for low-income families, proximity to other centers and location in rural or low-income areas.
“Investments in licensed child care facilities mean greater access to quality early learning programs for families across our state,” said DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter. “I'm pleased that the Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Department of Commerce continue to support and preserve access to child care that supports school readiness, helps families secure stable employment, strengthens local economies and strengthens communities.”
The Commerce Department has awarded more than $180 million in grants since the program began in 2017.
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