OLYMPIA, Wash.-Funding from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will provide early learning programs to Tribal children across the state.
The DCYF distributed the $2.4 million in Tribal Early Learning Funds that will benefit 11 Tribal Nations in Washington on April 1.
“We are incredibly excited to see these dollars being put toward Tribal children and families,” said Tleena Ives, DCYF Director of Tribal Relations. “These funds will go a long way toward our agency’s mission to support and protect children and youth so they may thrive.”
Telf funds are designed to provide resources to ensure early learning programs can best serve Tribal children, ages prenatal to five, in an inclusive and culturally appropriate manner, according to the DCYF.
“A connection to one’s community and culture is integral when looking at long-term physical, mental, and emotional health,” said Ives.
According to the DCYF, the TELF funds will serve an estimated 1,453 students and Tribal families across Washington.
