More than $7 million in grants have been awarded to 64 early childhood education providers across Washington state, including some East Side institutions, according to figures released today by the Department of Commerce.
Grant recipients are listed here.
The grants will help licensed child care facilities make small renovations that improve health and safety, such as upgrading playground equipment, sanitation spaces, fencing, HVAC systems and updating lighting fixtures, the Commerce Department said in a news release.
“These grants preserve critical facilities that give parents options to meet their family's needs and ensure access to and availability of quality child care,” Commerce Secretary Mike Fong said in a statement. “We know child care is a barrier to employment for families, and ensuring children have a place to thrive will help drive economic opportunity for Washington state families.”
The funding requests far exceeded funds available through the Commerce Department's Early Learning Facilities program, with 179 applications submitted for more than $21 million, according to the release.
To that end, the Commerce and Department of Children, Youth and Families evaluated key project criteria, including the number of child care slots available to low-income families, the project's location relative to other early childhood education facilities, and whether the project is in a rural or low-income area, the release said.
“Investments in licensed child care facilities mean families across our state will have greater access to quality early learning programs,” DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said in a statement. “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 Minister added that no additional funding for minor renovations has been set aside and will only be available again if Parliament approves the budget.