The Fair Start for Kids Act, passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2021, directs DCYF to create a Child Care Complex Needs Fund for child care.
The fund is intended to promote inclusive, least restrictive environments and support providers serving children with developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral needs, or other unique needs.
Round 1 of the Complex Needs Fund opened on May 10, 2022 and closed on June 21, 2022. DCYF awarded $7.38 million dollars in funding to 131 applicants.
Round 2 of the Complex Needs Fund closed on November 10, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Child Care Complex Needs Fund is awarded through a competitive grant process. Submitting an application does not guarantee that an eligible provider will receive a grant award. Eligible applicants may only receive Complex Needs Funds once each state fiscal year.
Eligible providers include:
- Open licensed or certified child care providers
- License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers who have served at least one child on subsidy in four of the last six months or two of the last three months and claim for subsidy through the Social Service Payment System (SSPS) at time of application.
To be eligible, providers must have children currently enrolled in their care who have behavioral needs, developmental delays, disabilities, or other unique needs.
DCYF Child Care Complex Needs Fund Manual
Get more information about eligibility criteria and prioritization:
If you are an Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractor, email dcyf.eceap@dcyf.wa.gov to learn more.
How much can a provider apply for?
| Provider Type | Minimum Amount | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed or certified providers | $5,000 | $100,000 |
| Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers | $100 | $2,000 |
Once the application period has ended, grants will be scored and prioritized using the Complex Needs Fund Scoring Guide.
Based on data from the first round of applications, DCYF may adjust award levels and prioritization for future application periods.
| Grant funds may be used for: | Grant funds may not be used for: |
|---|---|
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How does a provider apply?
All providers are required to have a WA Compass Provider Portal account before they can complete the Child Care Complex Needs Fund application.
Providers will log into the WA Compass Provider Portal, navigate to the Grant Information tab, select Current Grants, and select the DCYF Complex Needs Fund application. The provider will answer a series of questions and then submit the application.
Complex Needs Fund Application Preview and Question Guide
Preview the application questions:
DCYF Child Care Complex Needs Fund Manual
Get more information about accessing the application:
DCYF Complex Needs Fund Application Step-by-Step Guide
Get more information about the application steps:
Where to Find Assistance
Technical and Language Assistance
DCYF strongly encourages all providers to utilize our technical assistance partners when applying for grants. Technical assistance can offer support in your language, guidance on preparing for and accessing the application, and help answering questions on spending and saving receipts. Please contact either the Imagine Institute or Voices of Tomorrow.
- Imagine Institute
Phone: 206-492-5249
Email: CCSG@imaginewa.org
- Voices of Tomorrow (supporting East African child care providers)
Phone: 206-278-8290
Email: childcaresupport@tomorrowvoices.org
Application Questions
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.