WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A pair of local organizations were included in a major investment in childhood education centers.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has partnered with the Department of Children, Youth and Families to award nearly $56 million in grants to early learning providers across Washington.
Among the recipients was a new childcare center in Blaine, which secured just over $850,000.
Commerce spokesperson Amelia Lamb tells My Bellingham Now that the facility will be located at the site of the current Peace Arch Montessori School on Cherry Street.
The grant will help fund the acquisition and renovation of the property, which will support up to 41 children ages 1-6.
Meanwhile, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County received one of the highest grant amounts of just over $3 million to add 91 new spaces.
According to Commerce, projects located in rural areas and low-income neighborhoods were given more consideration.
The funds are expected to create over 2,000 new childcare spaces statewide.
