Provider Resources
Training
The Imagine Institute has a mentorship program for individuals interested in becoming a family home provider. Those who complete the program receive a $4,000 grant to invest in their new business.
Licensing
- Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) includes information on the rules and regulations surrounding child care businesses.
Business Tools
- Child Care Business Edge, powered by Child Care Aware of Washington, is filled with resources for running a business, procuring a child care license, and managing staff.
- DCYF’s first steps to becoming a licensed child care provider.
- A guide to family home child care in Washington (some information in this guide may be outdated).
- A small business guide from the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance includes resources for business strategies and tax information.
- Tom Copeland’s blog on family home child care is a great resource for individuals who are in the process of starting a child care. His website includes useful handouts and checklists for getting started.
- A guide on how to start a quality child care business from the US Small Business Administration.
- Whatcom County small business resources have been compiled by the Bellingham Public Library.
- Best practices for child care businesses from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Early Achievers
- DCYF’s Early Achievers page for providers has background information on Washington’s Quality Rating and Information System.
- University of Washington’s Cultivate Learning helps design Early Achievers.
Health, Safety, and Child Development
- Tips, research, and information on child development from the Center for Disease Control.
- Zero to Three provides resources on the importance of a child’s earliest years.