OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce has allocated $1.6 million to early learning in the Spokane area.
The grant funding will allow for expansions of the Early Childhood Education and Assistance and Working Connections Child Care programs.
Five Spokane area childcare programs received grants.
Excelsior Wellness received funding for 150 new childcare slots, with the Rosalie Murrey Memorial Foundation receiving 140 and Christine’s Little Athletes receiving 55.
In the Spokane Valley, the Roots and Wings Love and Learning Center is taking $375,000 in grant funding, and Cornerstone Church in Liberty Lake has secured $800,000.
Commerce Director Mike Fong says that the grants will be used to create or enhance early learning facilities.
“Early Learning Facilities investments will bring high-quality childcare to Washington communities so that parents can work, knowing that their children are secure and thriving in a safe environment,” Fong said.
Criteria for funding was primarily based upon economic need, and the department sought to distribute awards in areas with high amounts of low-income families. The total amount of grant funding announced on Tuesday was $196 million statewide.
