OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced more than $7 million in grant funding to 64 early childhood education providers across 16 counties across the state. These grants will support minor renovations to improve the health and safety of licensed child care facilities. Renovations include new playground equipment, improved sanitation areas, fencing, HVAC systems and lighting fixtures.
“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.”
Projects like Spokane's Harvard Park Learning Center North, funded from 2021 to 2023, are examples of how these grants can enhance early learning environments through renovations such as updating flooring and countertops.
The Commerce Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program received 179 applications for more than $21 million, more than triple the amount of funding available. Evaluation criteria for awarding grants included the number of child care centers serving low-income families and project locations with an emphasis on rural and underserved areas.
“Investments in licensed child care facilities mean families across our state will have greater access to quality early learning programs,” said DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter.
Since its inception in 2017, the ELF program has awarded more than $180 million and created more than 12,500 child care spaces across Washington state. The program focuses on areas known as child care deserts and prioritizes projects that help low-income families.
Visit the ELF webpage for more information about the program and upcoming funding opportunities, as well as a 2024 ELF Small Improvement Grant Overview PDF.