Tribal children across the state will be able to go to early learning programs thanks to money from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Tribal Early Learning Funds worth $2.4 million were given out by the DCYF on April 1 to 11 Tribal Nations in Washington.
“We are so happy that these funds will be used to help Tribal children and families,” said Tleena Ives, Director of Tribal Relations for DCYF. “These funds are very helpful for our organization’s goal to help and protect kids and teens so they can do well.”
The DCYF says that Telf funds are meant to provide tools so that early learning programs can best serve Tribal children from prenatal to five years old in a way that is welcoming and respectful of their culture.
“Being connected to your community and culture is important for your long-term physical, mental, and emotional health,” Ives said.
The DCYF says that the TELF funds will help about 1,453 children and Tribal families in Washington.
