Child Care and Early Learning

One of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ (DCYF) strategic goals is to “create a high-quality integrated Birth-8 system.” 

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is pleased to announce that the Early Childhood Equity Grant application is now available.*

Read this full article in Español and Soomaali.

DCYF has decided to pause the 2025 Community Child Care Conversations. Updates on in-person Conversations will be provided in late spring 2025 following the Legislative session.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) reminds licensed child care providers that the 2025 Child Care Complex Needs Fund application will be closing at 5 p.m. on March 19, 2025.

The 2025 Child Care Complex Needs Fund application is now open. Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will accept applications until 5 p.m. on March 5, 2025.

The fund supports eligible child care providers serving children with developmental delays, behavioral needs, and other disabilities.

DCYF published and distributed the Early Care and Education Newsletter | December 2024 | January 2025 (English | Español | Soomaali) on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Those interested in child care and early learning news and information can read and learn about:

Nearly half of an $8 million Birth Through Five Preschool Development Grant (PDG B-5) awarded to DCYF will provide for an increase of 75 slots to the state’s B-3 Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for infants and toddlers, as well as support delivery of no-cost classroom curriculum, professional development, and mental health services to providers.

Join DCYF for an online Community Child Care Forum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. This is a great opportunity to meet DCYF leadership, connect with local licensing administrators and licensors, get the latest updates, ask questions, and share your experiences.

DCYF published and distributed the Early Care and Education Newsletter | November 2024 (English | Español | Soomaali) on Thursday, Oct. 31. 

Those interested in child care and early learning news and information can read about:

Are you a child care provider caring for children with complex needs?

DCYF offers specialized training to support you. Trainings are facilitated by the University of Washington (UW) Haring Center. Trainings focus on deepening provider knowledge in several areas related to individualizing instruction and supporting social-emotional learning.