Child Care Complex Needs Fund
Forecasted
Child Care Complex Needs Fund supports child care providers with staffing, therapeutic services, accessibility improvements, and adaptive resources to promote inclusive care for children with complex needs.
Funder: Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$50,000 for licensed/certified providers; $100–$2,000 for FFN providers; spend within one year
Summary: Supports child care providers with staffing, accessibility improvements, therapeutic services, and adaptive resources for enrolled children with complex needs.
Key Information: Providers must currently serve children with complex needs; a verified diagnosis or IEP is not required.
Description
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) administers this competitive fund to promote inclusive, least-restrictive child care environments. Created under the Fair Start for Kids Act, passed in 2021, it supports providers serving children with developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral needs, or other unique needs.
Funding addresses practical needs within a provider’s program: additional staffing, therapeutic services from skilled professionals, facility improvements meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements, and supportive or adaptive materials and equipment. Requests must address children currently enrolled, rather than anticipated future enrollment. Providers explain the needs they observe, how their proposed purchases or services will improve care, and the planning behind their requests.
