In 2020, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) administered more than $60 million in grants to child care providers to help stabilize the industry and provide access to care for children and families.
In May, the agency provided $30 million in grant funding and incentives and administered a second round of grants and incentives in November.
Through the Fall Child Care COVID-19 Grant, DCYF provided critical funds to more than 3,000 licensed child care providers in response to increased costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fall Child Care COVID-19 Grants distributed a total of $29,765,380 to the following licensed child care providers:
- 2,016 Family Home Child Care ($13,361,400) with a license capacity of 20,582
- 954 Child Care Centers ($14,231,020) with a license capacity of 73,634
- 156 School-Age Programs ($2,152,810) with a license capacity of 10,121
- 3 Outdoor Preschools ($20,150) with a license capacity of 44
In the fall, DCYF also offered a one-time incentive payment of $250 to eligible Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers serving children receiving subsidy. A total of 1,888 FFN providers received the incentive, for a total of $472,000.
Provider Testimonials
The health and safety of our Kiddie Academy community is our top priority. The Fall Child Care COVID Grant allowed us to start paying back our deferred rent. Second to our employees, rent is our biggest cost. From an employee perspective, the grant allowed us to hire additional staff to better support our “distance learning” school-age program. Additional staff was also hired to maintain proper classroom spacing “pods.”
The application process was incredibly easy and straightforward. This allowed me to focus more time and energy on our school.
We’re incredibly grateful to DCYF and the support they have given us. We’re then able to pass this support directly on to our valued education team and families.
- Owner of Kiddie Academy Salmon Creek
We are considered essential workers and have been fortunate to be able to keep the doors open to be able to continue to serve our children, their families, and the community during this uncertain time. I think it is only right that we are protected by being paid in full if I, my staff, a child, or one of their family member at my child care contracts COVID-19, and causes Stay and Play to be closed. The last thing a small business owner should have to worry about is the person who has contracted the virus and how they will be able to stay in business while they have to shut down. It would be so much easier to deal with, and less stressful, if providers knew that we are protected, and paid during the process. The grants that are received are a big help to make it a little stress free, it helps to make ends meet, and has definitely helped save my business.
- Owner and Director of Stay and Play Childcare and Learning Center