Rep. Peter Abbarno encourages early learning providers to apply for state grant funding by Oct. 31
CONTACT: Jennifer Hansen, Senior Public Information Officer | 360-786-7720
Rep. Peter Abbarno encourages early learning providers to apply for state grant funding by Oct. 31
State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, a member of the House Capital Budget Committee, is encouraging eligible early learning and child care providers to apply for grants through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program before the Oct. 31, 2025, deadline.
The ELF Expansion and Maintenance Competitive Grant supports Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) providers in sustaining, expanding, remodeling, purchasing, or constructing early learning facilities. These investments support high-quality early learning opportunities for children from low-income households across Washington state.
“Access to affordable, quality early learning is critical for working families and the future of our children,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “As a member of the House Capital Budget Committee, I’ve prioritized investments in early learning and child care infrastructure to help eliminate ‘child care deserts’ across our state — particularly in rural and underserved communities.”
According to the Washington Child Care Collaborative Task Force, more than 60% of communities in the state are considered child care deserts, meaning there are more than three children for every available licensed child care slot. The average cost of full-time child care in Washington can exceed $14,000 per year per child, placing significant strain on working families. This cost is among the highest in the nation.
Abbarno emphasized that programs like ELF not only help expand access to early learning but also strengthen local economies by supporting parents’ ability to stay in the workforce and seek educational and employment opportunities.
- Application deadline: Oct. 31, 2025.
- Eligible applicants: Intended ECEAP contractors/subcontractors and intended WCCC providers.
- Eligible uses: Sustain, expand, remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities.
- Funding requirements:
- All requests must be supported by licensed contractor bids or equipment cost documentation.
- Funding over $250,000 must be secured by real estate.
- Ten-year commitment to support early learning slots after project completion.
- Proof of ownership or long-term lease (minimum of ten years) required.
Applicants should review the full Program Guidelines and Notice of Funding Opportunity before applying. Full details, including eligibility requirements, program guidelines, and the online application, can be found on the Washington State Department of Commerce website:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/funding/2025-2027-expansion-and-maintenance-competitive-grant/
“Expanding early learning capacity is one of the smartest investments we can make in our future,” Abbarno added. “I encourage all eligible providers to take advantage of this opportunity before the Oct. 31 deadline.”
