A burst of severe weather or another emergency can leave a child-care provider facing two immediate worries: getting the building safe again and keeping care available for families.
A state-funded grant opportunity is now accepting applications from eligible Washington early-learning providers for emergency facility repairs. Enterprise Community Partners is administering the funding, which could help qualifying centers and family child-care homes in Snohomish and Island counties restore damaged space.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds run out. Providers can review the requirements and arrange application help now.
Check the provider requirements first
A child-care license alone does not establish eligibility. The October application guidelines require:
- Washington business registration and an active business license to provide early-learning services.
- A current Department of Children, Youth, and Families child-care license in good standing.
- Active participation in Early Achievers, also in good standing.
- Participation in ECEAP, Head Start/Early Head Start, Working Connections Child Care or a similar subsidy program.
The program’s required-document checklist also calls for evidence of at least ten years of site control through ownership or a long-term lease, and a commitment to use the funded facility for preschool or child care for at least ten years. Renters need the lease and the property owner’s support or approval for the repairs.
What the money can repair
The funding is for unforeseen emergency capital needs, such as damage from flooding, wildfire, earthquakes, landslides or severe weather. Another immediate health or safety threat may qualify if it creates an urgent facility problem.
Eligible work may include repairing or replacing damaged building systems, utilities or other essential infrastructure so care can continue safely. Explain what happened, how it affected the facility and whether it disrupted operations or put child-care spaces at risk.
Routine or deferred maintenance and planned upgrades are excluded. The grant also excludes ordinary operating expenses, including staffing, rent and utility bills, according to the guidelines.
Funding cannot duplicate costs reimbursable through insurance, another grant or another funding source. Insurance deductibles may qualify, so retain the insurer’s coverage decision and deductible documentation.
How much is available?
The guidelines identify a $2.76 million funding pool and a minimum award of $10,000. They do not set a single maximum award; the amount depends on project documentation and available funding. The published pool is not a statement of how much remains today.
The materials describe both reimbursement and invoice-based payment arrangements. They also contemplate applications involving completed repairs. If you have already paid for work, ask Enterprise to confirm how the cost-timing and funding rules apply before counting on reimbursement.
Put the application materials together
The required-document checklist is a useful place to start. It calls for site-control records, the supplied repair-budget workbook, photos of the damage or repair work, insurance documents and the program’s LEED certification or exemption form.
For the budget workbook, complete all three tabs: the budget, budget narrative and funding sources. The checklist asks applicants to retain its Excel format. Photos can show where work is needed or document a completed repair before, during and after the work.
A clear application connects the emergency, the proposed repair and the cost. Before filling it out, consider:
- Which rooms or building systems were affected?
- How many child-care spaces could be lost without the repair?
- What will insurance or another funding source cover?
- What approval is needed from the landlord or another facility partner?
Keep a copy of the application and supporting files so you can check what you submitted when questions arise.
Apply online, with help available
Submit through Enterprise’s SlideRoom application. The program page links to the guidelines, templates, a recorded information session and a booking option for technical assistance.
Questions about eligibility or costs? Contact program manager Cassandra Ellis at cellis@enterprisecommunity.org.
Enterprise estimates that the eligible-repair period will run through June 30, 2027. That is not a fixed application deadline, and funds may be exhausted earlier. Review the grant terms and post-award requirements alongside the repair budget so the application reflects what your program can carry out.
