WSFCCA Newsletter
Summer 2018
A Message From Your President, Wendy Avery
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.

DEL is seeking comment on proposed aligned licensing rules. I know everyone is busy but please take the time to make comments either by email or in person at one of the Hearings.

Hearing dates and locations are listed to the right. DEL is accepting comments now through June 27th.

Comments may be made online at  www.del.wa.gov/PolicyProposalComment/Detail.aspx , by email to rules@del.wa.gov.

NOW is your chance to make your voice heard.

If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to email me at wkavery@comcast.net or call me (206) 898-0999.
DATES OF HEARINGS

June 26
6:00 – 7:30
Everett Library Auditorium
2702 Hoyt Avenue, Everett

June 26
7:00 – 8:00
Chehalis Library Meeting Room
400 N Market Blvd., Chehalis

June 27
5:00 – 7:30
Yakima Room, Greenough Conference Center
33 S. 2 nd  Ave., Yakima
New Programs Being Developed in our ECE World
IMAGINE INSTITUTE
Imagine Institute is a grass roots professional development program that SEIU 925 and DEL resulted from their negotiated with the state. Imagine Institute has its own non-profit corporation and board. The union and state jointly oversee the work that resulted from the collective bargaining agreements. 

Through Imagine Institute:

  • A sub pool has been formed for those that have rated a two. This sub pool will provide a sub at Imagines’ expenses so that providers can improve their rating. Centers can use this pool as well.
  • A mentor program has been designed due to the lack of family childcare homes.  Providers have stepped forward to become mentors. They attended a class through North Seattle College, have monthly training requirements, mentor their interns and receive a generous stipend for their work. 
  • Interns are made up of anyone wanting to start their own family home childcare. 

To go through the program interns are required to: 

  • Attend an orientation,
  • Work 20 hours (they are paid) in their mentor’s homes for on the job training
  • They are guided through the licensing process and need to complete ten milestones that are related to policies for parent and staff handbooks, the business side of childcare and setting up a business. 
  • Once they become licensed, join EA and have one subsidy child they are eligible for a $4000 grant to apply towards their programs. 

So far 113 people have gone through the program, resulting in 1356 new childcare slots opening for families. Yeah for family home childcare. If you know of anyone who  might be interested in this quality program please contact Marie Keller at marie@imaginewa.org .  
CQEL
Under the direction of Dr. Gail Joseph, UW ECE educators wanted to develop a program that would answer the question of how CQEL could put together equitable and accessible mini courses for those working in the ECE field. They produced a Math study pilot program in which those that participated received over a period of 4 months, 4 boxes of materials with a circle time magazine and cool things that one could use to encourage learning in counting, measurement, geometry and patterns. Along with the boxes, participants were encouraged to watch videos that related to each project. If you go to Circle Time Magazine, you can watch the videos. One hour of stars will be offered at the end of each program.  https://depts.washington.edu/cqel/resources/circle-time-magazine/

In the fall another study will be done involving positive behavior supports. If you are interested in becoming involved please contact CQEL at ctmag@uw.edu
CQEL also has done meaningful makeovers for several providers. To watch the videos please go to Meaningful Makeovers at https://depts.washington.edu/cqel/resources/meaningful-makeover/
ECEAP
ECEAP programs are being developed for use in family childcare homes. The advantage to the children is that the child will not be shuttled from home to child care, to ECEAP facility, back to child care home, back to child’s home. Often children who are eligible for ECEAP have issues and the less transitions for them are important. Also, this will allow ECEAP to reach eligible children who live in isolated areas or who do not have ECEAP resources in their neighborhood. 

The process to become qualified is: 

  • The home must be EA rated a 3 with a 4 on the horizon. 
  • Provider must have a two-year degree with the prospect of a BA. 

If you are interested you can make an application to ECEAP. An observer will visit, explain how the program works and if you are interested will help you put together a program portfolio. Your site will be voted on by an ECEAP board. If you pass, you will be assigned a program manager and a family support manager. Providers meet once a month to collaborate. 

An advantage for those in the EA program is that due to your support team it will show bachelor support in merit. You will also have wrap around support for children in need and your program manager will put together parent programs for your childcare. You will be given TS Gold and Creative Curriculum (a $2000+ value). You will have access to Second Step (an emotional curriculum), Cavity Free Kids and High 5 (a steam program). At this point in time nine providers are participating in the program with three thinking about it.  
WSFCCA Early Learning Conference
October 20, 2018
6 STARS Hrs
The Washington State Family Child Care Association’s annual Early Learning Conferences bring early childhood professionals from all around the Pacific Northwest together to experience an invaluable educational and networking opportunity. If you are involved in the care and education of young children you do NOT want to miss this!  
This year we are excited to present three of Seattle's BEST early learning/motivational speakers; "Teacher Tom" Hobson, Erin Jones and Miriam Dressler.

Conference location - Double Tree Suites by Hilton, Southcenter . Free parking for attendees and WSFCCA group hotel rate .


  • A limited number of FULL 2018 conference scholarships are still available for licensed family child care providers; first time member only. Join a WSFCCA chapter and receive free entrance into our 2018 Early Learning Conference; lunch included. Membership begins October 1, 2018.


  • Our conferences sell out so don't miss out. Sign up early!
Learn more about our Conference and registration fees. Register now before Early Bird ends!