By the end of 2021, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) distributed $259,706,250 to 4,319 child care and early learning providers across Washington State. These funds support, stabilize, and strengthen the diverse early learning workforce in a way that rebuilds a stronger child care system and expands access to affordable, high-quality care for all families. This support of the child care sector is vital to meeting the needs of children and families and our state’s economic recovery.
DCYF disbursed these funds in the form of the Child Care Stabilization Grant. DCYF opened the Child Care Stabilization Grant for application on Oct. 13, 2021, and the application remains open through June 30, 2022. Grant funds are being distributed to thousands of Washington State child care providers to help stabilize their businesses and workforce.
Grant Eligibility
All licensed and certified child care providers in Washington State with an open license in good standing are eligible to apply for the Child Care Stabilization Grant. This includes licensed Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) sites. License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers who have served at least one family receiving subsidy in four of the last six months or two of the last three months and have claimed payment for these services through the Social Service Payment System (SSPS) may also apply.
Grant Award Data
At the end of 2021, 4,319 applications were approved, and grant awards were distributed, totaling $259,706,250 in grant funds. Payments are processed once a month through June 2022.
Grant Awards by Provider Type
|
As of Dec. 31, 2021 |
Grant Awards |
Grant Amounts Awarded |
|---|---|---|
|
Licensed Family Homes |
2,300 |
$123,464,000 |
|
Child Care Centers |
1,482 |
$135,461,000 |
|
FFNs |
537 |
$781,250 |
|
Totals |
4,319 |
$259,706,250 |
Grant Awards by Child Care Subsidy Region
|
Stabilization Grant |
Grant Awards |
Grant Amounts Awarded |
|---|---|---|
|
Region 1 |
364 |
$18,742,750 |
|
Region 2 |
639 |
$36,955,250 |
|
Region 3 |
510 |
$32,389,750 |
|
Region 4 |
1,605 |
$106,689,000 |
|
Region 5 |
481 |
$28,243,750 |
|
Region 6 |
511 |
$24,975,500 |
|
Spokane |
209 |
$11,710,250 |
* Data shown includes subsidy and private pay child care providers
More Information
- Apply for a Child Care Stabilization Grant
- Eligibility criteria and prioritization can be found in the DCYF Child Care Stabilization Grant Frequently Asked Questions document: English | Spanish | Somali
- Application information can be found in the step-by-step guide: English | Spanish | Somali
If you have additional questions about the grant, email dcyf.stabilizationgrant@dcyf.wa.gov.