Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Grant
The ELF grant program was created in 2017 by Substitute House Bill 1777. Administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the program’s intent is to help meet the critical need for high quality early learning opportunities for children from income-eligible households through the expansion of early learning classrooms.
Through grants and loans, the ELF program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations for the planning, renovation, purchase, and construction of early learning facilities and classrooms serving children in Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).
For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Commerce: Early Learning Facilities Program.
Funding Availability
In spring 2025, the Department of Commerce will release 2025-2027 grant program information. The ELF program funding opportunities consist of four parts:
- Competitive grants to eligible organizations
- Competitive grants to public school districts
- Direct appropriations from the Washington State Legislature
- A grant and loan program operated by Washington Community Reinvestment Association, Enterprise Community Partners, and Craft3.
Technical Assistance
DCYF provides direct pre-licensing assistance to current and prospective grantees of the ELF program. DCYF contracts with the Imagine Institute for language interpretation and translation of Department of Commerce grant and post-award materials.
DCYF Pre-Licensing
To help successfully navigate the facility development and licensing processes, DCYF offers technical assistance to current or prospective ELF grantees. The pre-licensing team can provide technical assistance on the following topics:
- Feasibility assessment of site for potential child care;
- Facility or site plan reviews;
- Guidance related to licensing requirements, which includes learning environments, health and safety, and curriculum; and
- Providers interested in offering ECEAP programming who serve families receiving Working Connections Child Care.
Resources
- Child Care Licensing Overview
- Family Home/Child Care Center - Feasibility Checklist
- Child Care and Early Learning Licensing Guidebook
To learn more about pre-licensing services, contact the DCYF pre-licensing team at dcyf.welcome@dcyf.wa.gov.
To learn more about pre-licensing supports that were provided in 2022 and 2023, review this document.
Language Assistance
The Imagine Institute is available to provide language interpretation and translation of ELF grant and post-award materials in the applicants' preferred language. Please contact the Imagine Institute at 206-492-5249, or email CCSG@imaginewa.org.
Machadka Imagine institute wuxuu bixiyaa tarjumaadda luqadda iyo adeegyada tarjumaadda codsiyada deeqda ELF iyo agabka abaal-marinaha kadib luqadda codsadaha uu doorbido. Fadlan la Xariir Imagine Institute ee 206-492-5249, ama emayl CCSG@imaginewa.org.
El Imagine Institute está disponible para proporcionar servicios de interpretación y traducción de los materiales para la subvención ELF y de los materiales dados después de recibir la subvención en el idioma de preferencia de los solicitantes. Comuníquese con The Imagine Institute llamando al 206-492-5249, o envíe un correo electrónico a CCSG@imaginewa.org.