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Education

Olympia-based childcare grants awarded

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $5.6 million in grants to 37 early learning providers across Washington, including one in Brewster. The funds will help renovate facilities to sustain high-quality childcare opportunities. The grant program, administered by Commerce in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), received 325 applications for $277 million in funding, but only $56 million was available.

Maribel’s Day Care in Brewster received $96,263 for bathroom, kitchen, and utility renovations. Owner Maribel Torres said she is 'extremely excited and grateful' for the funding. The project will create space for a diaper changing table, re-route water pipes, repair kitchen damage, update electrical panels, and improve childproofing.

The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program has awarded $290 million since 2017 to sustain over 20,000 childcare slots statewide. All grants require a 10-year service commitment. The state plans to continue funding efforts to address childcare capacity gaps, though no specific Olympia projects were detailed in the announcement.

📄 Source: WA Dept of Commerce — https://www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-invests-5-6-million-to-improve-and-sustain-37-childcare-facilities-statewide/

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The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $5.6 million in grants to 37 early learning providers across Washington.“The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $5.6 million in grants to 37 early learning providers across the state.”
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The grant program received 325 applications for $277 million in funding.“Commerce received significant interest in the 2025 ELF funding cycle, with 325 applications submitted for $277 million, but only $56 million available.”
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Only $56 million was available.“Commerce received significant interest in the 2025 ELF funding cycle, with 325 applications submitted for $277 million, but only $56 million available.”
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Maribel’s Day Care in Brewster received $96,263 for bathroom, kitchen, and utility renovations.“Maribel’s Day Care in Brewster received $96,263 for minor renovations to the bathroom, kitchen, floors and building utilities.”
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The project will create space for a diaper changing table, re-route water pipes, repair kitchen damage, update electrical panels, and improve childproofing.“These renovations will create space for a diaper changing table, re-route exposed water pipes, repair water damage in the kitchen, update the electrical panel, and support childproofing.”
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The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program has awarded $290 million since 2017.“The ELF Program, which Commerce administers, has awarded approximately $290 million to create or sustain more than 20,000 childcare slots statewide since 2017.”
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The ELF program has sustained over 20,000 childcare slots statewide.“The ELF Program, which Commerce administers, has awarded approximately $290 million to create or sustain more than 20,000 childcare slots statewide since 2017.”
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All grants require a 10-year service commitment.“All grants require a minimum 10-year service commitment period.”
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The state plans to continue funding efforts to address childcare capacity gaps.“These new awards are a continuation of Early Learning Facilities Program awards announced in April.”