We are excited to share progress made on several of the strategic initiatives in the Help Me Grow WA Strategic Plan, along with spotlighting some of our Child Development and Early Care and Education (ECE) work! 

Help Me Grow WA Network Updates

Through the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) awarded to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), the Help Me Grow Washington Network received $100,000 to invest in communities exploring or implementing Help Me Grow system model at the local level. Four communities were granted funding through this opportunity including: Island, Grays Harbor, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. This funding supported activities through September 30, 2025.

Help Me Grow King County

Help Me Grow King County is committed to providing families with warm connections and direct support—not just referrals—to help them navigate systems effectively. To achieve this, we fund community-based organizations that deliver Help Me Grow services in ways that are relational, culturally rooted, and accessible. These partners work closely with parents and caregivers to ensure they receive the support they need. We’re excited to announce our eight community-based organizations that will bring this vision to life.

Help Me Grow Skagit

Help Me Grow Skagit partnered with the Children’s Museum of Skagit County to host a vibrant resource fair earlier this month. The event was part of a larger celebration in collaboration with Full STEAM Ahead, Skagit Kids Read Week, and even a Community Baby Shower. Families enjoyed hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and creativity, exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math through interactive projects, exciting demonstrations, and valuable community resources. It was a great turnout with lots of happy children and families! (Pictured: HMG Skagit partners at the family event.)

Help Me Grow WA Statewide Coordinated Access Point (CAP)

When the federal government shutdown occurred earlier this month, Help Me Grow WA worked quickly to track potential impacts on family benefits and services. Our Family Resource Navigators stayed current on every update so they could guide families with clarity and confidence over the phone, and we provided real-time updates on our website to ensure families had the most accurate information available. With federal agencies now reopening, benefits are expected to resume normal operations.

Develop Specialized Referral Pathways - HMG WA Early Care and Education Provider Referral Pathway

Help Me Grow Washington and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) are continuing to partner to offer free online developmental screening and technical assistance to Early Care and Education (ECE) providers across Washington. Funded through the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), this project is designed to expand developmental screenings across all early learning settings and strengthen relationships with providers statewide.  By offering access to Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Online, our shared goal is to help more providers complete developmental screenings and connect children and families to resources and support. 

From Summer 2024 to Spring 2025, we piloted the program with 19 (ECE) providers across Washington. Through this cohort, 255 child development screenings were completed. We continue to support these providers who are still actively using ASQ Online through Help Me Grow Washington. 

We’re now expanding and actively recruiting ECE providers, especially in rural communities. If your organization works with ECE providers who may be interested or you can help us spread the word, we would really appreciate your support with sharing this opportunity. 

Check out our new ECE provider flyers in English (English) and Spanish (Spanish).  



Questions? Contact childdevelopment@withinreachwa.org 

Deploy Strategic Communications & Conversations

Beginning in October, the HMG WA Network is excited to partner with Lantern. Lantern is a text messaging platform that delivers free parenting tips and information to help families support their children’s healthy development from pregnancy through the preteen years. Messages are tailored based on preferred language (Arabic, English, and Spanish), zip code, and age of child.  

Over the past eleven months, HMG WA has been meeting with partners from local communities and state agencies to explore how this tool could support coordinated outreach efforts across Washington.  This collaborative approach includes WithinReach, the Department of Health, Department of Children, Youth & Families, Grays Harbor County, HMG Island County, and HMG Skagit.  

Help us share this opportunity with families! Signing up is easy – text KIDSWA to 274 448. 

Establish New Partnerships

We are proud to share the results of a new evaluation assessing the rollout of the permanent bi-directional referral pathway between Help Me Grow Washington (HMG WA) and Child Care Aware of Washington (CCA-WA). This collaborative effort was designed to strengthen how families with young children are connected to vital services across Washington State. Both HMG WA and CCA-WA play essential roles in supporting families—ensuring that parents and caregivers can access high-quality child care, developmental resources, and community connections. 



The evaluation explores how this new pathway is enhancing coordination between the two systems, improving referral processes, and helping families receive more timely, comprehensive support. 

Resources to Share

• You're invited to the 2026 Washington State Immunization Summit hosted by WithinReach in partnership with Washington State Department of Health and Immunization Action Coalition of Washington on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center (or online!). Register now! 
• Help us share this opportunity with families! Signing up for Lantern is easy – text KIDSWA to 274 448. 
• Check out this video created by our partners at Grays Harbor County Public Health and the Pacific & Grays Harbor Counties SMART Team that highlights actionable steps families can take while they wait for an autism evaluation. From learning through trusted sources to exploring early support services, to connecting to the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline!
• Free or low-cost child care for children ages birth to 12. The Working Connections Child Care Subsidy Program helps many families living in Washington state qualify for free or low-cost child care. For information about program eligibility and to apply, visit www.dcyf.wa.gov/childcare or call 844-626-8687. Help is available in multiple languages. 
• Free high-quality preschool for children ages 3 and 4. The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) helps children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. ECEAP offers preschool services, nutritious meals and snacks, health screenings, and family support. To learn more and find your local provider, visit https://dcyf.wa.gov/eceap. 

Send along ideas and resources for the Help Me Grow Washington website and future newsletters by emailing Help Me Grow WA.

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