Seventeen home- and center-based early learning providers and organizations were recently awarded $7.6 million in Enterprise Health and Safety Renovation Early Learning Facilities grants to renovate and create childcare space in Washington.
About 302,000 children, from newborn to 5 years old who are not yet in school, need childcare because all available parents in the home are working. Yet, according to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, only 29% of these children are served by licensed childcare, preschool, and/or subsidized childcare.
Funded by the Washington Department of Commerce, these 17 awards will support the creation of over 1400 new childcare slots for children, serving diverse communities and prioritizing subsidized slots for low-income children and families throughout the state. The grants were dispersed to aid renovations and construction projects in 10 different counties, including emerging providers, non-profits, school districts, and the co-location of affordable housing and early learning spaces.
Congratulations to the first round of Enterprise Health and Safety Renovation funding grantees on their successful applications. We look forward to seeing these inspiring projects come to fruition in service of children and families throughout Washington.
- Anandan Academy LLC, Bothell
- Bunny Hop Academy, Marysville
- Escuela El Jardin LLC, Mount Vernon
- Kare "N" For Kids Childcare, Snohomish
- Squaxin Island Child Development Center, Shelton
- Teddys Academy Child Care LLC, Kennewick
- Tiny Treasures Daycare LLC, Mountlake Terrace
- Valley School District, Valley
- Goldenstars Early Learning Center, Seatac
- Inspire Kids Early Learning Center,Tukwila
- Kathy’s Early Learning LLC, Yakima
- Los Colores Early Learning Center LLC, Kent
- Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, Tacoma
- Rafael Pombo Early Learning Center, Tacoma
- Raze Development, Spokane
- YMCA of Walla Walla, Walla Walla
- Zen Kids Care LLC, Auburn
Enterprise received 100 applications from center- and home-based facilities asking for more than $69 million, which speaks to the great need for this program.