Needs-Based Grants (Washington State)

Needs-Based Grants (Washington State) is sponsored by Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Needs-Based Grants are available to improve program quality in Washington State.

DCYF Child Care Grant Opportunities | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families DCYF Child Care Grant Opportunities Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant Needs-Based Grants are available to improve program quality.

You may use the funds to buy curriculum and instructional materials, supplies, equipment, focused infant-toddler improvements, environmental improvements, minor renovations to your child care facility, supports and materials or services for care of children with special needs, or other items as identified by your coach.

Early Achievers participants who have an open license in good standing may apply for the Needs-Based Grant if they meet at least one of the following: Are enrolled in the USDA Tier 1 food program. Are located within a school district that serves at least 20% low-income children based on data from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). How much funding is available?

Each Needs-Based Grant award is $1,000. When can providers apply? The grant application opens each year in July and stays open until we run out of funds.

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. You can apply for a Needs-Based Grant one time each fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Where can I find more information?

See the Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant webpage . Child Care Complex Needs Fund Complex Needs Funds are to promote inclusive, least-restrictive environments, and to support child care providers serving children who have developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral needs, and/or other unique needs.

Funding may be used for staffing, therapeutic services, facility improvements to comply with ADA accessibility requirements, and/or supportive and adaptive materials and equipment. Open licensed, certified, or certified for payment only child care providers. License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers serving children receiving state subsidies.

To be eligible, you must have children currently enrolled in your care who have behavioral needs, developmental delays, disabilities, or other unique needs. How much funding can a provider apply for? If you are licensed, certified, or certified for payment only, you may request between $5,000 and $50,000.

If you are a License-exempt FFN provider, you may request between $100 and $2,000. When can providers apply? The 2025-26 Child Care Complex Needs Fund application is now closed.

Where can I find more information? See the Child Care Complex Needs Fund webpage. Early Childhood Equity Grant The Early Childhood Equity Grant helps support culturally responsive programming so that children have access to diverse care that meets their needs.

The grant is to advance and inspire practices that promote inclusive and culturally responsive learning, environments, and enhanced language access. Licensed, certified, or certified for payment only child care providers with an open license in good standing. License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers serving children receiving state subsidies.

• Play and Learn Group Host Organizations recognized by Child Care Aware of Washington (CCA of WA) and currently receiving funding and/or direct programming support from CCA of WA to actively provide direct and virtual education and materials to parents and FFN caregivers. This is the result of a contractual agreement between CCA of WA and the State of Washington and applies to Play and Learn Groups. When can providers apply?

The 2026-2027 Early Childhood Equity Grant will open in fall 2026. Where can I find more information? See the Early Childhood Equity Grant webpage.

If you have questions about a grant application, the timeline of a grant, or other questions specific to these grants, email dcyf. childcaregrants@dcyf. wa.

gov .