Tribal Early Learning Funding Now Available

February 14, 2025
Children exploring in forest.

DCYF is excited to share that a fourth round of Tribal Early Learning funding (TELF) is available to tribal early learning programs and tribal-serving organizations. This funding opportunity supports tribal children, prenatal to five, in early learning programs across Washington state in a culturally appropriate and inclusive manner.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025.

For information and to apply, visit the Office of Tribal Relations webpage. 

The following early learning programs are eligible to apply:

  • Category 1: Tribal Nations ($30,000)
    • Tribal Head Start 
    • Tribal Early Head Start
    • Tribal Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP), including Tribal Contractors and Subcontractors
    • Tribal Early ECEAP, including Tribal Contractors and Subcontractors
  • Category 2: Tribal Nations, Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs), Tribal/Native Serving Organizations ($30,000)
    • Tribal Child Care Centers
    •  Tribally Licensed Child Care providers 
    • RAIOs with an early learning program
    • Tribal/Native Serving Organization with an early learning program
    • Certified/Certified for Payment only Tribal Child Care providers
    • Tribal Home Visiting Programs
    • Sub-Category 2: ($5,000)
      • Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN) providers 
  • Category 3: Community Organization, State or Certified Child Care providers that serve tribal children ($30,000)
    • ECEAP Contractors & Subcontractors serving Tribal children
    • Early ECEAP Contractors & Subcontractors serving Tribal children
    • State Licensed or Certified Child Care providers serving tribal children
    • Home Visiting programs serving Tribal children

The Office of Tribal Relations will be offering technical assistance office hours to assist with the application process and to answer any questions:

  • Wed., Feb. 26, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
  • Tue., March 4, 2025, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
  • Thu., March 13, 2025, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Zoom Link

For questions, please contact Apolonio (polo) Hernandez, Tribal Early Learning Fund Specialist, at apolonio.hernandez@dcyf.wa.gov or (509) 564-5027.