The 2025-26 Needs-Based Grant is now closed. 

Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant

The Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant supports Early Achievers participants with purchasing curriculum development, instructional materials, supplies, focused infant-toddler items, environmental improvements, and equipment to improve program quality.

The Needs-Based Grant application is available each fiscal year. The application opens each year in July and stays open until we run out of funds. Grants are awarded to eligible programs on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Who is eligible to apply?

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 Tier 1 USDA 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)*
    *To check if your school district is eligible, visit the Washington Public School Data for Area Eligibility Data Report on the OSPI website. DCYF uses the percentage for the whole school district, not the individual school.

Applying for this grant does not guarantee that you will receive an award.

How much can a provider apply for?

Each Needs-Based Grant award is $1,000.

We review applications and send payments as we approve them. When we run out of funding for the year, we close the application.

Grant funds may be used for:Grant funds may not be used for:
  • Active Physical/Gross Motor Materials
  • Art, Books
  • Dramatic Play
  • Developmental Screening Tools
  • Environmental Improvements
  • Fine Motor
  • Focused Infant/Toddler Materials
  • Health and Safety
  • Math/Numbers, Nature/Science
  • Minor Renovations to Child Care Facility
  • Music and Movement
  • Professional Development/Substitute Time
  • Promoting Acceptance and Diversity
  • Soft Toys/Pillows
  • Storage/Shelving to Access Materials
  • Support for Electronic Attendance
  • Supports for Children with Special Needs
  • Capital improvements, like major construction or renovation
  • Gift cards
  • Salary increases
  • Bonuses of any kind
  • Religious activities or purposes, including worship or instruction
  • Any items not included in the allowed spending categories

How does a provider apply?

Log in to the WA Compass Provider Portal, click on the Early Achievers tab, and select the new NBG application button.

Where can a provider find assistance?

Your Early Achievers Coach is available to help you through the process. Technical assistance includes help and guidance:

  • In your language
  • Preparing for and accessing the application
  • Understanding the grant requirements
  • Understanding spending and saving receipts

For technical assistance, please contact your Early Achievers Coach. If you don’t know who your coach is, call your regional Child Care Aware office:

Child Care Aware Regional Offices

Child Care Aware of Central Washington: 877-965-7109
Child Care Aware of Eastern Washington: 800-446-2229
Child Care Aware of King County: 206-329-1011
Child Care Aware of Pierce County: 253-272-8000
Child Care Aware of Northwest Washington: 360-734-8396
Child Care Aware of the Olympic Peninsula: 360-786-8907
Child Care Aware of Southwest Washington: 360-237-3358

For questions about grant eligibility/spending, email dcyf.needsbasedgrants@dcyf.wa.gov.

For questions about WA Compass access, email dcyf.providerportal@dcyf.wa.gov.