Child Care Complex Needs Fund Technical Assistance
The Fair Start for Kids Act (FSKA) directs the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to distribute funds to promote inclusive, least restrictive environments and support providers serving children with developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral needs, or other unique needs.
The funds are distributed through the Complex Needs Fund.
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DCYF Child Care Complex Needs Fund Presentation Overview Presentation
ELIGIBILITY
Open Licensed or Certified Child Care Providers
License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers who have served at least one child on subsidy in four of the last six months or two of the last three months and claim for subsidy through the Social Service Payment System (SSPS) at time of application.
Currently have children enrolled with behavioral needs, developmental delays, disabilities, or other unique needs
What can the Grant be Used for?
Grant funds may be used for:
- Staffing
- Therapeutic services
- Facility improvements to comply with ADA accessibility requirements or behavioral needs
- Supportive and adaptive materials and equipment
Grant funds may not be used for:
- Capital expenses such as major construction or renovation projects
- Support to sites other than the licensed or certified site to which the funds were granted
- Travel expenses including hotels, rental cars, airfare
- Purchasing a vehicle
- General operating costs
Application Information
All early learning providers are required to have a WA Compass Provider Portal account before the completion of the Child Care Complex Needs Fund application.
The application requires you to answer questions about your program and your plans for using the grant funds, if awarded. DCYF strongly recommends that you review the application before you apply so you can draft your answers, review them against the provided rubric, and make sure you are satisfied with the accuracy and completeness of your answers.
If you want help reviewing your application, including your proposed plan for the funds, please contact one of our technical assistance partners. Information on Technical Assistance is available here.
Applications will not be reviewed until the application period closes. There is no benefit to applying early. DCYF recommends you take your time filling out the application and reviewing your answers.
Contact us to connect with a Technical Assistant
Call us at 206-492-5249 or email us at [email protected].
Important information
The Child Care Complex Needs Fund is a competitive grant. All applications received within the application period will be reviewed.
First, all applications will be scored according to the scoring rubric provided here. Only applications that score above a certain threshold will be considered for funding. If more applications are eligible for funding than DCYF is able to fund, the agency will prioritize applications according to certain factors. Once an applicant has been awarded grant funds, all funds must be spent within one year of receiving the grant and within the scope of the proposed project.
Applications will be scored according to the scoring rubric. A copy of the rubric is available here.
Applicants may receive points for saying they need something; more points for explaining how the request will help the child(ren) in their care; and the most points for explaining the research, planning, or process that led to their decision.
Providers located in extreme access child care deserts and those serving or located in marginalized, low income communities will receive bonus points.
Providers that receive scores above a certain threshold will be considered as eligible for funding. If DCYF receives more eligible applications than they are able to fund, applications will be prioritized as described below.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Application opens | September 26, 2022 |
| Application closes | November 10, 2022 |
| Scoring team meets | November/December 2022 |
| Decisions announced | Winter 2023 |
| Payments processed | 2-4 weeks after approval notifications |
Need Assistance?
Technical assistance is available in both 1-on-1 or small group sessions.
These sessions can be delivered in-person, virtually, or over the phone.
Technical assistance is available to support you in your preferred language.
Technical assistance can:
- Help you apply for the Child Care Complex Needs Fund
- Understand how funding can be used, and records need to be maintained.
- Connect providers to resources and answer additional questions.
Contact us to connect with a Technical Assistant
Call us at 206-492-5249 or email us at [email protected].
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