News Release: DCYF Launches New Equity Grant to Make Child Care More Inclusive for Families

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June 29, 2022

DCYF Launches New Equity Grant to Make Child Care More Inclusive for Families

$5.1 million will be awarded over three rounds of funding to providers across the state.

Olympia, WA – The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) announces the launch of a $5.1 million competitive grant for child care providers to support access to culturally responsive programming and environments in early learning, and early childhood and parent support programs across the state. The funds are intended to support and inspire practices that promote inclusive and culturally responsive learning and enhanced language access.

The Early Childhood Equity Grant was created as a result of the Fair Start for Kids Act (FSKA), a $1.1 billion investment to make child care and early learning more affordable to Washington families by expanding access, capping co-pays, and providing new resources to support child care and early learning providers. 

The first round of funding is now open and will close on Aug. 16, 2022. Award decisions will be made by the fall.

Eligible applicants for the Early Childhood Equity Grant include:

  • Licensed or certified child care providers with an open license in good standing.

  • License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers serving children receiving state subsidies.

  • Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors.
  • Recognized Play and Learn Groups. Learn about these groups on the DCYF Early Childhood Equity Grant webpage.

The application is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Somali, Russian, Arabic, and Mandarin. The agency will provide technical assistance for those who wish to apply.

For more information about this grant, please visit the DCYF Early Childhood Equity Grant webpage. You can also sign up for DCYF's monthly Fair Start for Kids Act newsletter.

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Contact:

Jason Wettstein, Director of Communications | jason.wettstein@dcyf.wa.gov | 360-464-0294