DCYF Grant to Fund Child Care Provider Retention Efforts
Olympia, WA – The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has launched an approximately $10 million, non-competitive Workforce Retention Grant that will provide a one-time payment to on-site workers in eligible roles at DCYF-licensed or certified centers and family home child care providers across the state.
Each eligible child care worker will receive the same amount. The total amount awarded per licensed child care worker will depend on the total number of eligible employees identified by applicants and verified by the state’s workforce registry, MERIT. Funding is made possible by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act.
The grant application will close on Oct. 20, 2022.
“We know employee retention has been a struggle faced by nearly all industries, including child care," said Nicole Rose, DCYF Assistant Secretary of Early Learning. “We also know that increasing access to affordable, high-quality child care helps support employee retention overall."
“We want to acknowledge the important work of the child care industry and support child care providers in their retention efforts as we all work together to increase capacity and build a stronger workforce,” added Rose. "Thank you, providers for the vital service you provide for children and families across the state.”
Eligible applicants for the Workforce Retention Grant include:
Licensed or certified child care providers who:
- Are open and serving at least one enrolled child at the time of application
- Have staff records up to date in MERIT, the state’s workforce registry and official system of record for early learning professionals
- Have applied for the Child Care Stabilization Grant (this grant is still open through Sept. 30, 2022, and providers are still able to apply)
Providers must include the number of eligible staff that work for them. Eligible staff roles include:
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Classroom Roles: lead teacher, assistant teacher, aide
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Administrative Roles: licensee, director, assistant director, program supervisor
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Support Roles: Cook, transportation, etc.
- Licensed family home providers, center directors, and any other person or provider licensed by DCYF who works on-site may count themselves as an eligible staff
- Volunteers, household members, and substitute teachers are not eligible
The application is available online in the WA Compass Provider Portal. Technical assistance is available for those who wish to apply.
For more information about this grant, please visit the DCYF Workforce Retention Grant webpage.
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Contact:
Jason Wettstein, Director of Communications | jason.wettstein@dcyf.wa.gov | 360-464-0294
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