Edmonds Child Care Facilities Receive State Grant Funding

Grants to add 2,000 child care slots statewide, with priority for low-income families

Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:22am

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A vibrant, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring a repeating pattern of colorful children's building blocks, conceptually representing the expansion of early learning resources in the local community.State grants aim to expand access to affordable, quality child care in Edmonds and across Washington.Edmonds Today

Several Edmonds child care facilities are among those receiving a share of nearly $56 million in new state grants to expand and improve early learning spaces. The funding aims to add about 2,000 child care slots statewide, with priority for low-income families, even as a separate early learning program faces significant budget cuts.

Why it matters

Access to affordable, high-quality child care is a critical issue for many families in the Edmonds area. These state grants will help local facilities expand capacity and improve their offerings, providing more options for parents seeking care, especially those with limited financial resources.

The details

The grants, awarded by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, will fund projects to renovate, expand, or construct new child care facilities across the state. Edmonds-area providers receiving funding include Little Explorers Preschool, Meadowdale Preschool, and Edmonds Community College's Early Learning Center.

  • The state announced the $56 million in grant funding on April 18, 2026.
  • The grants will support projects to be completed over the next 12-18 months.

The players

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

The state agency responsible for administering the child care facility grants.

Little Explorers Preschool

An Edmonds-based child care provider receiving grant funding to expand their facility.

Meadowdale Preschool

An Edmonds-based child care provider receiving grant funding to renovate their facility.

Edmonds Community College Early Learning Center

The child care facility operated by Edmonds Community College, which is receiving grant funding for improvements.

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What they’re saying

“Access to affordable, high-quality child care is a critical issue for many families in our community. These grants will make a real difference in expanding options and supporting working parents.”

— Jill Thompson, Director, Edmonds Community College Early Learning Center

What’s next

The state will continue to monitor the progress of the child care facility projects funded by the grants, ensuring the new and improved spaces are completed on schedule and meeting the needs of local families.

The takeaway

These state investments in Edmonds-area child care facilities demonstrate a commitment to supporting working families and expanding access to early learning opportunities, even as other education programs face budget constraints.