Update: Through this Child Care COVID-19 Grant, DCYF provided critical support and stabilization to more than 3,600 licensed child care providers in response to the pandemic. At this time, grant funding is depleted and the grant application is no longer available.

• 3,671 providers have applied
• 3,554 have been awarded grants
• 114 have been “accepted” but not batched out for payment yet
• Payments started going out the first week of June

Olympia – The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is grateful for the continued commitment and dedication that child care providers have demonstrated to the children and families in our state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DCYF is offering support to child care providers under the Child Care Development Block Grant’s CARE Act. This critical support is in the form of a grant to any licensed child care provider in Washington State that is open on the date of the grant release and providing child care.

“We recognize the challenges our providers have faced during this unprecedented time,” said DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter. “It’s important that we create a simplified process to provide support and stabilization for child care providers in our state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

A flat amount for each interested licensed provider will be based on capacity using DCYF’s WA Compass and MERIT data. Providers may apply to receive these one-time funds. Funding amounts will be based on licensed capacity:

• Small: 0-49
• Medium: 50-99
• Large: 100-150+

DCYF will disperse funds as follows:

• $6,500 to small and open providers
• $11,500 to medium and open providers
• $14,000 to large and open providers

Funds can be spent on facility or space rent, personnel, utilities, health and safety or cleaning supplies and food. The grant funding application period closes June 30 or upon the exhaustion of funds.

An online application will be available in DCYF’s licensed provider portal in the coming week. More details will be announced soon.

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