News Release

From the Department of Education and Early Learning                                    October 2, 2019

Contact: Al Sanders, Department of Education and Early Learning,

 al.sanders@seattle.gov, 206-485-5926

SEATTLE (October 2, 2019) The Department of Education and Early Learning announced today that it would award more than $1.2 million to create classrooms and improve safety at five Seattle preschools. The providers receiving capital funding are all operated by women of color and serve linguistically and culturally diverse students in south Seattle.

Finding licensable space for preschool facilities in Seattle remains a significant challenge for providers. Through the voter-approved Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy, the Seattle Preschool Program will be investing approximately $7.5 million to help preschool providers build, upgrade and renovate their spaces for SPP. This investment will allow 80 additional children to attend preschool in Seattle.

“The City understands that developing and maintaining high-quality learning environments is an enormous cost burden to our providers,” said Dwane Chappelle, the Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning. “The funds support providers and ensures the continued growth of preschool seats throughout Seattle. While the funds are specifically for preschool spaces, these classrooms could also be integrated into licensable child care spaces and support the Mayor’s proposal to expand the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).”

The four providers receiving Seattle Preschool Program Facilities investments are:

Voices of Tomorrow-$249,999: The funds will renovate and expand of classrooms, restrooms and kitchen space, and the construction of an outdoor play area. These renovations will allow the program to expand to serve up to 40 children for a full day program

Tiny Tots-$900,000: Tiny Tots will be part of the Othello Square complex that will open in 2021. The award will be used to place two SPP classrooms inside Tiny Tots’ Early Development Center at Othello Square, which will serve 40 children. The center will include rooms for infants, toddlers, and preschool, with a commitment to the City of 20 years.

Causey’s Main $20,000 and Causey’s MLK $42,686: The two locations will use the funds to make safety improvements to their sites.

Bella’s Creative Learning Center-$50,000: The funds will go toward expanding a residential space to accommodate 12 SPP students.

DEEL’s mission is to transform the lives of Seattle’s children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education.