Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Grant
The ELF grant program started in 2017 and was created to increase access to high-quality early learning for children from families who are income eligible. It is managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The program helps expand early learning classrooms across Washington through a competitive grant process to plan, purchase, construct, or renovate early learning facilities.
Who Can Apply
These projects must serve children in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) or Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).
ELF funding is open to:
- Community and technical colleges
- Early Learning Providers who will serve WCCC or ECEAP
- Educational Service Districts
- Housing and community facility developers
- Local governments
- Religiously affiliated entities
- School districts and Tribal Compact Schools
- Tribes
Projects must focus on expanding or maintaining early learning facilities.
What the Grant Covers
The ELF program offers grants and loans to help pay for:
- Planning new facilities
- Buying property or builds
- Renovating or repairing spaces
- Building new early learning classrooms
For more information, visit Washington State Department of Commerce: Early Learning Facilities Program.
Funding Availability
The next grant cycle (2027-2029) is expected to open in Fall 2027.
Technical Assistance
DCYF provides support to help applicants plan and prepare for licensing. DCYF also partners with The Imagine Institute to provide language support for grant materials.
DCYF Pre-Licensing
DCYF offers free help to current and future ELF applicants. This support can help providers understand and prepare for licensing. The pre-licensing team can help with:
- Checking if a site will work child care
- Reviewing building or site plans
- Explaining licensing rules, including:
- Learning environments
- Health and Safety
- Curriculum
- Supporting providers who want to offer ECEAP and serve families using WCCC
Resources
To learn more, contact the DCYF pre-licensing team at dcyf.welcome@dcyf.wa.gov.
Learn more about pre-licensing supports that were provided in 2022 and 2023.
Language Assistance
The Imagine Institute provides free language support for ELF applicants. They can translate and interpret grant and post-award materials in your preferred language.
Phone: 206-492-5249 | Email: CCSG@imaginewa.org
El Imagine Institute ofrece apoyo lingüístico para los solicitantes de ELF. También pueden interpretar y traducir subsidios y materiales recibidos después de su otorgamiento en el idioma de su preferencia.
Teléfono: 206-492-5249 | Correo electrónico: CCSG@imaginewa.org
Machadka Imagine (Imagine Institute) wuxuu bixiyaa taageero luqadeed oo bilaash ah oo loogu talagalay codsadayaasha ELF. Waxay turjumi karaan oo fasiri karaan dukumeentiyada deeqaha iyo agabka ka dambeeya helitaanka deeqda ee ku qoran luqadda aad doorbidayso.
Telefoon: 206-492-5249 | Iimayl: CCSG@imaginewa.org
