Early Learning Facilities Program

The Early Learning Facilities program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce to support the expansion of early childhood education infrastructure across the state. Established by the Washington State Legislature, the program provides capital funding to increase access to high-quality early learning opportunities for children from income-qualified households. The program aligns with statewide goals to expand access to Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program and Working Connections Child Care services. This specific funding round is designed for public school districts and Tribal compact schools and is part of the broader Early Learning Facilities capital grant initiative. The purpose of this competitive grant opportunity is to fund capital projects that create or expand early learning capacity. Eligible applicants may use grant funds for the construction, renovation, or acquisition of facilities that will be used to deliver early learning services. Projects must demonstrate a measurable increase in capacity for qualifying programs such as ECEAP or WCCC. Funding is structured as a reimbursement grant, meaning awardees must incur eligible costs and submit documentation for reimbursement after contract execution. Funds may not be used for land-only purchases or to pay off existing mortgages, and all expenditures must align with the approved project scope. Applicants must meet specific program requirements, including demonstrating feasibility, securing site control, and ensuring compliance with licensing and regulatory standards. Awardees are required to maintain early learning services for a minimum of ten years and must either participate in or commit to participation in the Early Achievers program or, for Tribal entities, the LOVIT Way. Additional compliance requirements include adherence to environmental, labor, and historical preservation regulations, as well as maintaining appropriate insurance coverage. Projects may also be subject to prevailing wage laws and apprenticeship requirements depending on their scope and cost. The application process is conducted through the ZoomGrants platform. Applicants are expected to review all program documentation prior to submission, including guidelines, cost eligibility documents, and frequently asked questions. While there is no formal pre-application requirement, applicants were encouraged to attend informational webinars and office hours sessions to better understand program expectations. Applications opened on April 1, 2026, and will close on May 30, 2026, with no late submissions accepted. Following submission, applications undergo a competitive review process involving multiple state agencies and advisory groups. Evaluation and selection involve scoring and prioritization by a committee of early learning and community development experts. Final funding decisions are made by the Washington State Legislature through the capital budget process. Preliminary review results are expected in August 2026, with recommendations forwarded to the Office of Financial Management and Legislature in September. The Governor is expected to release the proposed capital budget in December 2026, with final approval anticipated in June 2027. Contracts and reimbursements are expected to begin in August 2027 after legislative approval. There is no maximum request amount specified for this funding round, and while matching funds are not required, projects that leverage additional funding sources may be prioritized during legislative review. Grant funds are reimbursed based on a calculated ratio of grant funding to total project costs. Eligible costs may be reimbursed retroactively to July 1, 2024, provided all requirements are met. The program is not described as recurring, but it operates within biennial capital budget cycles, suggesting periodic future funding rounds may occur. Applicants can direct questions to the Early Learning Facilities program via the official email contact. Comprehensive program guidance, including requirements and allowable costs, is detailed in the official program guidelines document and associated materials.

Ensure project demonstrates clear increase in early learning capacity and feasibility with secured site control and funding.