Find a Child Care Program

Why is quality child care important?

Quality is important to help in your child's development and growth.  Research has shown that in the first few years of a child's life their brain develops quite fast. Brain development for children birth through 5 years old is crucial to their future. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University's "Experiences Build Brain Architecture" video is a great example of how important it is for young children to be exposed to new experiences. The quality of the child care your child goes to influences the quality of their experiences and ability to grow.

If you would like to learn more about The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University click here.

The University of Washington is also doing reseach on brain development. To learn more click here.

 


How can you tell your child care is good?

Early Achievers, Washington’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), is Washington’s voluntary program for helping early learning programs offer high-quality care.  Washington Early Achievers:

  • Measures and evaluates the quality of programs through an unbiased rating system
  • Connects families to child care and early learning programs and the information needed to make informed choices about quality care
  • Offers coaching and resources for child care providers to support each child’s learning and development. Research shows this kind of assistance helps providers improve the quality of their programs. And when more young children are ready for school, we all benefit

Find a Child Care

Child Care Aware

Child Care Aware, which used to be called “Child Care Resource and Referral,” is a service that helps parents find child care in their communities. Child Care Aware can tell you a lot about providers, including if they are participating in Early Achievers. You can reach them at: wa.childcareaware.org/families/your-search or 1-800-446-1114

Child Care Check link

Child Care Check is where you can check the licensing history for child care providers. You can find more information at: apps.del.wa.gov/check/CheckSearch.aspx

Click here to find a Head Start or ECEAP program in your area


Resources for Parents

Department of Early Learning

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is a great resource for famlies and staff for information on growth and development. Here are some links to resources from DEL for more information click here.

VROOM

Click to check out fun tools and activities you can do with your child.

DSHS Working Connections Child Care Subsidy

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps families with low incomes pay for child care while they work or meet WorkFirst/BFIT participation requirements. For more information you can call (877) 501-2233 or go to washingtonconnection.org

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