OLYMPIA, Wash.-More than $30 million has been awarded to 42 early learning spaces across the state, including some in Yakima and Walla Walla Counties.
The grants, awarded by the Washington State Department of Commerce in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth and Families, are worth a total of $30.4 million. A full list of projects is available online through Commerce.
According to the Department of Commerce, Early Learning Facilities grants provide to Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) providers to plan, expand, remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities and classrooms.
“Early Learning Facilities investments will bring high-quality childcare to Washington communities so that parents can work, knowing that their children are secure and thriving in a safe environment,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong.
Funding was awarded in three categories, pre-design ($21,605 award limit); minor renovation and pre-development ($216,052 award limit); and new construction and major renovation ($2.5 million award limit), according to Commerce.
Commerce and DCYF evaluated key project criteria, such as the number of early learning spaces for kids from low-income families, the project location relative to other early learning facilities, and projects located in rural locations and low-income neighborhoods when awarding funding.
Regional early learning facilities awarded funding:
Yakima:
Fernanda’s Daycare: $650,000 will open up 50 new childcare slots.Kathy’s Early Learning: $750,000 will open up 36 childcare slots.Bertha’s Daycare LLC/Smiles Learning Center: $900,000 will open up 40 childcare slots.Educational Service District 105/Blossoms Early Learning Center: $2,500,000 will open up 58 childcare slots.
Prosser:
Island of Angels Childcare Center LLC: $453,069 will open up 102 new childcare slots.
Walla Walla:
Young Men’s Christian Association of Walla Walla: $215,974 for 50 new childcare slots.Children’s Home Society of Washington: $216,052 for 20 new childcare slots.
Benton City:
Carrusell Childcare Center: $1,000,000 for 60 new childcare slots.
