DCYF offers scholarships, incentives, and awards to support early learning professionals and programs.
DCYF provides early learning scholarships for people who work at an Early Achievers-participating program.
- Early Learning Scholarship brochure
- DCYF scholarship-funded programs
- Scholarship Program Guide (English | Spanish - Coming Soon)
The Early Achievers Grant helps early learning professionals earn an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Stackable Certificate or an ECE associate degree.
Visit the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges website for information.
Child Care Aware of Washington offers scholarships for early learning professionals who are earning:
- A bachelor’s degree in ECE or a related approved field, or
- A Montessori credential from a MACTE-approved academy
Visit the Child Care Aware of Washington website for information.
DCYF offers various incentives designed to help early learning professionals reach their goals.
Important: To receive an incentive payment, you must have a Statewide Vendor (SWV) Number listed in your MERIT record. If you do not have one, visit Apply for a Statewide Vendor Number for instructions.
DCYF reimburses training costs for eligible staff who complete training from a state-approved trainer while working in a licensed facility. You may apply once per DCYF fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) for up to $250, while funding is available.
The following roles are eligible for training reimbursements:
Child Care Center
- Center Director
- Center Assistant Director
- Center Program Supervisor
- Center Lead Teacher
- Center Assistant Teacher
- Center Aide
Family Home Child Care
- Family Home Owner
- Family Home Lead Teacher
- Family Home Assistant Teacher
- Family Home Aide
School-Age Program
- School-Age Program Director
- School-Age Assistant Director
- School-Age Site Coordinator
- School-Age Lead Staff or Group Leader
- School-Age Child Care Assistant
For help applying for a training reimbursement, visit the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage.
DCYF reimburses for certain training-related costs for state-approved trainers who are currently delivering approved training. You may apply for a trainer support reimbursement only once per DCYF fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) for up to $200 while funding is available.
Visit the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage for instructions.
As a rated Early Achievers participant, you are eligible for additional supports and incentives designed to help you meet your goals. For more information, see the Early Achievers webpage.
DCYF offers education awards to recognize the educational achievements of early learning professionals. After your education is verified in MERIT, you may qualify for education awards for:
- Highest level of education
- Up to four ECE majors
- Up to three ECE certificates and credentials
