2024-2025 Seattle Preschool Program

This funding opportunity closed on November 8, 2023. 

The Seattle Department of Education & Early Learning is accepting applications from qualified center-based early learning providers to join Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) or expand existing SPP classrooms at their site. SPP provides accessible, high-quality preschool services for Seattle children ages 3- and 4-years-old designed to improve their readiness for school and to support their subsequent academic achievement. 

Organizations, early learning providers, and entities providing services described in this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are invited to submit applications. Funding is available through the 2018 Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy.  

Please note: Changes to the funding process and timeline may occur. DEEL will not provide individual notice of changes, and applicants are responsible for regularly checking this web page for technical assistance information, updates, clarifications, or amendments.  

Who can apply and for how much money

Approximately $2.3 million is available to contract for approximately six new SPP classrooms for the 2024-25 school year. These new classrooms will include a combination of classrooms identified through this RFQ, expansion of existing SPP providers, and direct contracting with eligible entities. 

This RFQ is intended for center-based programs, including programs operating in Seattle Public Schools buildings. Family Child Care (FCC) programs interested in participating in SPP are not eligible to apply using this application portal, and should instead contact one of SPP’s FCC Hub administrators at BrightSpark Early Learning Services or Tiny Tots Early Learning Collaborative for more information.

Types of programs that can be funded

Eligible applicants must meet SPP programmatic and participation requirements as reflected below. DEEL has structures and resources in place to support providers to meet requirements, if necessary (See Appendix E in the release document).

Program Requirements

See the RFQ Overview document for additional details on program requirements.  

How applicants will be selected

The following steps are required for becoming an SPP provider:   

• Applicants must first submit an RFQ application to demonstrate how they meet the qualifications for becoming an SPP provider. Successful applicants will be placed on an SPP Roster to be considered for selection as a provider for the 2024-25 school year. If DEEL determines no provider fulfills criteria set out in this RFQ, DEEL may at any time cancel the RFQ without selecting any provider.
• DEEL will then select one or more providers from the SPP Roster according to the criteria outlined on pages 5 and 6 of the RFQ overview document.  
  

There is no guarantee of work or funding associated with this RFQ opportunity. 

Contracting is expected to begin in March 2024 for preschool classes starting September 2024. 

Language Assistance

Language assistance is available for document translation or meeting interpretation upon request. For live interpretation for the upcoming Q&A session, please submit your request by Monday, October 2, at 5:00 p.m. to DEELfunding@seattle.gov or (206) 386-1050. 

Timeline

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION: 

Please ensure that you submit the Seattle Preschool Program Agency Application as soon as possible to have time to complete the two additional required forms as part of your application.  

Only after submitting the Seattle Preschool Program Agency application, you will receive an email from Submittable with further instructions to access the two additional required forms (site and classroom forms).  

All forms above must be completed by 5:00pm, on November 8th, 2023, in order for your application to be considered complete. 

*Dates subject to change.

How to apply

Click the link below to view the RFQ Overview document to learn more about the application process.   

All applicants must complete the online application via Submittable using the link below to apply.  
 
Please note: 

• New users will be required to create a free Submittable account.  
• Only one user may submit an application.
• The application portal allows users to save progress on their draft application prior to submittal. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
• Applicants can expect to receive a follow up email with next steps from Submittable once the application has been started.  

Use the following links to access additional information and resources that will assist in completing your application.  

How to submit questions 

To submit questions, please email DEELFunding@seattle.gov with "Question: SPP RFQ" in the subject line. Responses will be published and linked in the table above.