MESSAGEFROMTHECEO
CATE BRIDENSTINE
Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FormanyfamiliesinWashington,licensedandregulatedchildcareisoutofreach.Families acrossourstatecontinuetoencounterbarrierstoaccessinghigh-quality,flexiblechildcarethat isaffordableandmeetstheirneeds.Infact,theDepartmentofCommerceestimatesthatnearly 120,000familiescaringfor161,000childrenundertheageoffiveliveinareasconsideredchild careaccessdeserts¹Thislackofaccesstoconsistent,stablechildcarenegativelyimpacts families,especiallywhenitcomestotheirfinancialwell-being.²
Withoutqualifiedindividualsable,willing,andsupportedtocareforWashington’schildren, workingfamiliesfacetremendousbarrierstoaccessingandmaintainingemployment These barriersimpactalreadymarginalizedfamiliesathigherrates Familiesofcoloraremorelikely thanwhitefamiliestoexperienceterminationsandunemploymentduetoinsufficientchildcare thatcanseriouslyimpacttheirfinancialsecurity.³Middle-andlow-incomecommunitiesshowed thelowestlevelsoflocalchildcarecapacitycomparedtodemand,andruralcommunitieshave thefewestslotsforchildcareamongallgeographicgroups⁴Impactsofourchildcarecrisis reverberatethroughoutsocietyandcauseimmediateharmtoourmostpreciousandvulnerable members:ourchildren.
Theenormityofthischallenge,andtheurgencywithwhichfamiliesandprovidersneedrelief,is daunting However,thereareclearactionswecantakenowtobeginalleviatingparents’and providers’distress TheImagineInstitutebelievesthatbycollaboratingwiththosemost impacted,wecandesignandimplementprogramsthat1)growourstate’ssupplyoflicensed, subsidized,andhigh-qualitychildcare;2)supportourcurrentchildcareentrepreneurssothey keeptheirdoorsopenandcaringforchildren;and3)connectprovidersandtheirstaffto economicreliefandsupport,soourstate’searlylearninginvestmentsareequitablydistributed tothosewhoneedthemmost
ThisreportisintendedtodemonstratetheimpactofImagine’sstate-of-the-art,liberatory,and provider-ledprograms,sothatcommunities,advocates,funders,andlegislatorsknowthatthere ishopeamidstthehardship Thishopelieswithinthecreativity,skill,andstrengthofearlychild careeducators;wesupportthem,sotheycanleadtheway
Sincerely,
CateBridenstine,CEO
¹ (Washington State Department of Commerce, 2020)
² (State of Washington Department of Commerce, 2019)
³ (Novoa, 2020)
⁴ (Malik, Hamm, Lee, Davis, & Sojourner, 2020)
GROW
TheDepartmentofCommerceestimatesthat736,880childrenbetween 0and12neednon-parentalchildcareinWashingtonState.⁵However,our state’slicensedcapacityonlyhasspacetomeetabout28%oftheneed.⁶
Fortunately,theImagineInstitutehasbeenhelpingourstaterebuildits licensedchildcarecapacity.Since2017,theImagineInstitutehashelped openover700licensedfamilychildcarebusinessesandsupported partnerstoopenlicensedchildcarecenters.Together,thisaccountsfor over7,700newlicensedchildcareslotsacrossthestate.Newchildcare businessesopenedbyImaginenowaccountfor16%ofthecurrently licensedfamilychildcarebusinessesinWashingtonState.
DemandforImagine’ssupportcontinuestoincreaseyearoveryear. Ourlicensedfamilychildcareincubatorwaitlistreached650infiscalyear 2024 Ifalltheseapplicantswerefundedtoparticipate,Imaginecould increaseourstate’scapacitytoservechildrenbyover6,500slots
IMAGINE U
OVERVIEW
Openingalicensedchildcarebusinessin WashingtonStateischallenging,particularlyfor providerswhoarenotnativeEnglishspeakers.To assistprospectivechildcarebusinessownersin navigatingthiscareerpath,theImagineInstitute offerstargetedsupportandmentorshipthrough ImagineU,arelationship-based,provider-led programthathelpspeopleopenlicensedfamily childcarebusinessesintheircommunities. ParticipantsinImagineUreceive160hoursof paid,on-the-jobtrainingfromatrainedpeer mentor,completeacomprehensivebusiness plan,createallrequiredpolicybooks,andattend 32hoursofformalstate-approvedtrainingon thebusinessandpedagogyofchildcare.All participantsreceive$4,000instartupfundsto investintheirnewbusinesses.
IMAGINE U PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
Nearly50%ofImagineUinternshadattemptedtoopentheirownchildcarebusiness priortoenrollinginImagineU
Internsreportedtheirbiggestchallengestosuccessfulopeningweretrouble understandingwheretostart,financialconcerns,andlanguagebarriers. BythemiddleoftheirImagineUtraining,68%ofinternsfeltcomfortablebuildingtheir ownWashingtonAdministrativeCode-compliantpolicy
85%ofinternsfeltpreparedtoopentheirownlicensedchildcarebusiness 89%percentdevelopednewearlychildhoodeducation(ECE)relationships,and 78%ofinternsindicatedthattheirpairedmentorhonoredtheirvalues
UponcompletingtheImagineUprogram,graduateslistedunderstandingthe WACrequirements
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
TheImagineUteamsupportedfourleadmentorsthisfiscalyear,andeachofthem hadfourassociateleadswhoassistedinsupportingandguidingthecohorts.The fourcohortswerecomprisedof85internswhowerematchedandsupportedby71 peermentors Amongthefourcohorts,twowereSpanish-speaking,onewasSomalispeaking,andonewasEnglish-speaking
HOW IT WORKS
IMAGINE U GRADUATES
Snohomish
Okanogan
IMAGINE U IMPACT
IN FISCAL YEAR 2024
Opened98newlicensedfamilychildcarebusinessesthroughImagineUin30 citiesacross14counties
SupportedImagineUgraduateswhospoke11languages
SINCE 2017, STATEWIDE
ImagineUgraduatesaccountfor16%ofallcurrentlicensedfamilychildcare providersstatewide.Thatmeansthat1outof6licensedfamilychildcare providersinWashingtonStateopenedthroughourprogram
85%ofImagineUgraduates’businessesremainopen
68%ofImagineUgraduateshaveopenedtheirbusinessesinextremechildcare accessdeserts
63%ofImagineUgraduatesareinahighCOVIDimpactarea
66%ofImagineUgraduatesareinareaswithhighratesofkindergarten disproportionalitybyrace
53%ofImagineUgraduatesareinareaswithhighratesofchildhoodpoverty
79%ofImagineUgraduatesareinareaswithahighconcentrationofchildrenof colorundertheageof15
94%ofnewlicensedfamilychildcarebusinessesareBIPOC-owned
FUNDING PARTNERS
DepartmentofChildren,Youth,andFamilies(DCYF)funded 67newlicensedchildcarebusinessestoopen
DepartmentofEducationandEarlyLearning(DEEL)funded 12newlicensedchildcarebusinessestoopen
SeaTacfunded30newlicensedchildcarebusinessestoopen
FACILITY GROWTH
Nationally,agrowingnumberofemployersare seekingtoreducetheiremployees’barriersto childcarebyopeningnear-oronsitechildcare centers Researchhasshownthatemployersponsoredchildcarebenefitscanresultina returnoninvestmentofbetween90%and425% foremployers.⁷Groundedinoursuccessopening newlicensedfamilychildcarebusinesses throughImagineU,theImagineInstitutebegan developingaprogramtosupportpartnersto openlicensedchildcarecenters.Aseach communityhasdifferentchildcareneeds, Imagine’sworkalwaysincludesdeepdesignand evaluationsupporttohelppartnersdevelopa uniquefacilityandprogramthatmeetstheir needs.
M A C H I N I S T S I N S T I T U T E
Snohomish County Child Care Center for Machinists’ Families and Surrounding Community
Ajointanalysisonemploymentbarriersforworkersinthe manufacturing,construction,andtradesconductedby theMachinistsInstitute,SEIULocal925,theImagine Institute,andotherpartnersdemonstratedthatthese workers’biggesthurdlewaschildcare.Inresponse,the MachinistsInstituteandIAMDistrict751committedto openingastate-of-the-artlicensedchildcarecenter, LittleWingsEarlyLearningAcademy,tomeet machinists’uniquechildcareneeds,andsupportthe surroundingcommunitywherelessthan1%oflicensed childcareisavailableduringnonstandardhours In additiontoprovidingaccesstohigh-quality,flexiblechild careoptions,thiscenterwillfocusonlivingwagesforthe staff WithadditionalsupportfromSnohomishCounty,the centerwillbeabletoofferanature-basedpreschool programandsummercamp,allowingparentstohave additionalchoicesfordevelopmentalactivitieswhere childrencanthrive.
HIGHLIGHTS AND DELIVERABLES
Secured$1millionin fundingtheproject
Helpedforma501c3 nonprofitorganizationto runthecenter
Project-managedthe predevelopmentand designphases
Createdthecenter’svisual brandidentitywhich includedcolorpalette, logo,typography,business collateral,andother graphicdesignelements
Createdstaffingplanand costestimateof furnishingsandmaterials
Helpedrecruitcampus director
Createdcenter’splanning capacitywithchild-tostaffratiosandenrollment fees
P
O R T O F S E A T T L E
Port of Seattle Child Care Evaluation Project
ThePortofSeattleselectedtheImagineInstitutetoleaditsSEAChildCareServices EvaluationProjecttosupportitsstrategyto“ensureinclusiveandequitable opportunitiesforallSEAemployeestomaintainemploymentandpursueprofessional advancementinthe24/7airportworkenvironment.”
ImaginewastaskedwithidentifyingexistingchildcareserviceslocatednearthePortof Seattleandsurfacingissuesthatrequireadditionalanalysisanddatafromemployees, unions,andpartners Theprojecthelpedidentifypotentialfundingresourcesfor leveragingwithPortinvestments,recommendedbusinessmodelconsiderations, evaluatedthePort'spotentialroleinchildcareservicedelivery,andcreatedand presentedafinalreporttothePortCommissionerstoinformthemofthefindingsand optionsfornextsteps.
HIGHLIGHTS AND DELIVERABLES
Createdservicedeliveryradiusconsiderations
Developedservicedeliveryoptionsmostappropriateforthe24/7workenvironment
Reviewedemployeebadgedata,joblistings,anddatafromtheBureauofLabor Statisticstodetermineemployeeclassification,primaryresidence,andincome rangestobetterunderstandPortworkers’needsandeligibilityforsubsidyprograms
Wrotesixcomplexmonthlyreportstotaling98pageshighlightingthedata,research, andpotentialchildcaresolutionsthatwouldsupporttheairport’sworkforce
Connectedwithinternalandexternalpartnersincludingemployers,MLKLabor Council,EmployeeEngagement,SanFranciscoAirport,andlocalandnational childcareorganizations
“
“Idon’tknowifweevergottenabetterdealfor$100,000yet.
...Thiswasagreatpieceofinformation.Sothankyou.Imean, myson ’s28.Ihaven’tthoughtaboutthisinalongtime.So,no. Butitwasreallyeyeopening.Andtheinsight,thelevelofdetail, it’sextraordinary.Sothankyousomuchforthat.”
-CommissionerFelleman,PortofSeattle https://meetingsportseattleorg/watch/meeting/20240709RM
P O R T A N G E L E S
Clallam County Economic Development Council
ThroughrelationshipsestablishedatthePreventionWorksChildCareTaskForce, ImaginewascontractedbyClallamCountyEconomicDevelopmentCounciltoprovide pre-licensingconsultationandsupporttoanindividualopeningtheClallamBayEarly LearningCenter Thisworkbroughttogethermultiplepartnerstocreateachildcare solutionforemployersandthecommunity Onceopen,theClallamBayEarlyLearning Centerwillbetheonlylicensedchildcarebusinessinthecommunity,servingan anticipated31children
““I first heard about Imagine through Prevention Works (Child Care Task Force). My experience with the Imagine Institute was outstanding, surpassing all expectations. They went above and beyond, offering invaluable technical assistance and guidance during the early development stages of this childcare program aimed at improving the lives of those in the workforce needing childcare providers and professionals in our underserved rural areas.
Marie from the Imagine team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication Her approach to our technical assistance request was both strategic and tailored to the startup childcare program in its development stage. They really took the time to understand the needs and delivered results that exceeded our expectations.
The results of our collaboration were exceptional. The following highlights the deliverables:
Business Plan
Operations and Procedures Manual
Program Policy Book
Staff Policy and Procedure Manual
Family Policy Handbook
Health Policy
Emergency Policy
I would recommend Imagine to others without hesitation. Their expertise and dedication set them apart as a standout choice for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.”
-LorieFazio DirectorofOperations,ClallamCountyEDC
P O R T A N G E L E S
Shore Aquatic Center
ShoreAquaticCenterinPortAngeleschosethe ImagineInstituteasapartnertoexplorechildcare expansionopportunitiesintheircommunity.The potentialexpansioncouldcreateanadditional110 childcareslots InpartnershipwithShoreMetro ParksDepartment,localemployers,andfamilies, Imaginemetwithpartners;analyzedthecurrent childcareavailabilityandcurrentprogramsat ShoreAquaticCenter;ledcommunityinfosessions andfocusgroups;andheldindividualinterviewsto makerecommendationsontheexpansion. Focusingonchildcareexpansion,ouranalysisand communityfeedbackhasidentifiedthat maintainingflexiblescheduling,affordability,and accessiblechildcareforpreschoolandschool-age careinPortAngelesarethehighestpriorities Imagineconductedawalkthroughofthenewly acquired8,000squarefootbuildingadjacentto theirexistingSPARKandSPLASHprogramsto determinethestructuralneeds,configurationof classrooms,andcapacity.Utilizingthecurrent layout,withasminimalrenovationsaspossible, ImaginedeterminedthatShorecouldincreasethe childcarecapacityby110slotsandbuildafull kitchen,office,andmeetingspace,aswellasa multipurposeroomforfamilyengagementand extracurricularactivitiesafterrenovationis complete
FACILITY GROWTH IMPACT
WashingtonStateLabor Council LABORPARTNERSHIPSTO EXPANDNONSTANDARD
MachinistsInstitute
PierceCountyLaborCoalition
PortofSeattle
WashingtonBuildingTrades
ThelicensedchildcarecentersthattheImagineInstitutehashelpedopenwill collectivelyprovidehigh-qualitychildcaretoover770childrenacrossthe state.Thesecenterswilloffernonstandardhour,flexible,specialneeds,infant, andschool-agecare.LittleWingsEarlyLearningAcademy,forexample,willalso offernature-basedchildcareandlicense-exemptcare,whichhasshownto supportchildren’sdevelopmentalneedsandparentsneedsforpart-timecare Additionally,thesenewlicensedcenterswillemployabout200workers,and, becauseoftheImagineInstitute’sassistancewithbusinessplanning,willhave fundingtoofferprofessionaldevelopment,mentorship,andwagesandbenefits totheiremployeesthatareapproximately20%higherthantheindustryaverage.
SUSTAINAND SUPPORT
ThenumberoflicensedchildcareprovidersoperatinginWashington StatehasdeclinedsincetheGreatRecession,withlicensedfamilyhomes sustainingthemostlossestotheirranks:afull2,000LicensedFamilyChild CareProviders(LFCCP)closedbetween2010and2023.Luckily,thetrend hasreversedinrecentyears.Accordingtoa2023ChildCareAwareof Washingtonreport,“Washingtonhasseenanincreaseof400familychild careprogramsand70centerssince2022,”inpartbecauseofImagineU, whichopened411licensedfamilyhomechildcarebusinessesfrom2022 to2024.
TheearlychildhoodeducationworkforceinWashingtonStateis96.7% female,⁸30%peopleofcolor,⁹and50%bilingualormultilingual.¹⁰Itis importanttonotethelongstandinghistoryofmarginalizationexperienced bythesepopulationswritlargeand,specifically,withinthechildcare workforce.¹¹Chronicmarginalizationandexposuretotoxicstressdirectly impactschildcareworkers’healthandwell-being:67%ofchildcare workersreportedmoderatetohighlevelsofstress,and46%screened positivefor“potentiallydiagnosablelevelsofmajordepression”in2022.¹² Additionally,oneoutofthreeearlychildhoodeducatorsexperiencedfood insecurityin2020.¹³
Immediateanddirectinterventionisrequiredtobeginalleviatingthe economicandinterpersonalstressthatchildcareprovidersandtheECE workforceareexperiencing.SeveralImagineprogramsaredesigned specificallytosupportourexistingchildcareworkforcesotheystayin businessandthrive.
⁸(Coffey,2022)
⁹(WashingtonDepartmentofChildren,Youth,andFamilies,2020)
¹⁰(ChildCareAwareofWashington,2019)
¹¹(TheEarlyChildhoodEducatorWorkforce,2020)
¹²(YaleSchoolofMedicine,2022)
¹³(Dynia,Koury,Bates,&PageMcGinnis,2021)
SHARED SERVICES
TheSharedServicesHubwascreatedtokeep Washington’slicensedchildcarebusinesses openandcaringforchildren.Imagine’sHubwas designedbychildcareproviderstoprovidethe exactresourcesneededtorunathriving businessandprovideexcellentcareforfamilies intheircommunities.Whilesomebusinessesand organizationsprovidebusinessservicestochild careentrepreneurs,theImagineInstituteisthe onlycompletelyprovider-ledandpeer-based hubavailableinfourkeyworkforcelanguages anddesignedbychildcareproviders.
“
“Isoappreciatewhatyoudotosupportstaffinreachingtheir professionaldevelopmentobjectives.Nothavingtopayforacohort ofteacherstoattendhigh-qualitytraininghaseasedtheburdenof needingtocontinuallysearchforwhatweneed,freeinguptimefor metofocusonotheradminstrativetasks.”
-LoisMartin Childcarecenterowner
TYPES OF SHARED SERVICES SUPPORT
SANDBOX
Sandboxisanonlinetooltobuilda customchildcarebusinesswebsite. Providerscanchoosefrommultiple templatesandcolorschemes,upload theirownphotosorchoosefromour stockimages,anddecidewhat informationtheywanttosharewith prospectivefamilies,liketheirhoursof operation,whethertheycurrentlyhave openings,andwhattypesofcarethey provide
JOB BOARD
OurECECommunityJobBoardisafree toolformemberbusinessestopost currentchildcareopenings Membersof theECECommunitycanalsouseitto findjobopenings,searchingbyposition, employmenttype,city,orstate.
BUSINESS SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTS
SharedServicesexpertscanprovide businesssupportandconsultationon grants,taxes,recordkeeping,ECE systems,andmore
DIRECTORY
Directoryprofilesubmissionsare exclusivetoHubmembersandare searchablebyallWashingtonState familieslookingforchildcare.
POLICY WIZARD
Thistoolwalksbusinessownersand theirstaffthroughalltheadministrative codeandqualityfoundational standardsthatregulatelicensedchild careandhelpsthembuildtheirown customizedpolicybooks
BUSINESS SUPPORT PACKAGES
Suitesoftools,resources,and assistancearefocusedintocommon businessneedssuchasFinance, Marketing,HR,Training,andCurriculum andEnvironments.Thesepackages includecommonlyusedprograms specifictoearlylearningsuchasTSG Gold,acomprehensiveassessmenttool alignedwithWashingtonStatesWAKids kindergartenreadinessprogram,aswell astoolsusedwidelybysmallbusinesses ofallkindssuchasQuickbooks. Comprehensivetrainingand1:1 assistanceisavailableforthese packagestoensureusersuccess.
SHARED SERVICES MEMBERS
TheSharedServicesHubhas1,703memberchildcarebusinesses:
1,360licensedfamilychildcareprovidersand343childcarecenters
58%ofSharedServicesHubmembersoperatechildcarebusinessesincommunitiesof concernandextremechildcareaccessdeserts
64%ofmemberbusinessesoftheHubareownedbywomenofcolor
Membersspeak19languages
Infiscalyear2024,theSharedServicesHubprovided nearly10,000hoursoffreetrainingtostaffemployedat participatingbusinesses.
IMPACT
TheSharedServicesHubprovidednearly10,000hoursoffreetrainingtostaffemployedat participatingbusinessesontopicslikeTrauma-InformedCare,PositiveGuidance Strategies,Brightwheelchildcaresoftware,TeachingStrategiesGoldassessmentand observation,CreativeCurriculum,STEM:LessisMore,CardiopulmonaryResuscitation (CPR),GrantImplications,KeyTaxIssues,RecordkeepingandTaxes,Time&Space,Payroll Introduction,PayrollQuickBooks,andrequiredtrainingslikeChildCareBasicsand EnhancingQualityEarlyLearning
270licensedchildcareentrepreneursmetfor756hoursintheirCommunitiesofCare acrossthestateinfivelanguages.
ThemostpopularservicesincludedfreesubscriptionstoBrightwheel,freetrainingfor staff,andtax-experttrainingandadvice.
SHARED SERVICES MEMBERS SAY
91%ofthemembersindicatedtheygainedskillsthatassisted theminoperatingtheirchildcarebusinesses
89%saidserviceswereavailableintheirprimarylanguage
83%saidserviceswereaccessibletotheiruniqueschedulingneeds
SUBSTITUTE POOL
Opentoalllicensedchildcarebusinesses,the SubstitutePoolprogramisdesignedtosupport LicensedFamilyHomesandchildcarecentersby providingaccesstotrainedandapproved substitutessoemployeescantaketimefor professionaldevelopment,vacation,sickleave, etc.Childcarebusinesseshaveaccesstomultiple fundingstreamsthatcanprovideupto50hours offreesubstitutetimetoqualifiedproviders annually Thereisalsoaprivatepayoption availableforthosewhowanttoaccessthe programbutdonotqualifyforsubsidizedhoursor forthosewhoexceedtheirallotmentofsubsidized hours.
O V E R V I E W
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Childcarecenters atleastoneshift 802 Substitutesworked
Licensedfamilychild careproviders receivedsubstitutetime
receivedsubstitutetime
SUBSTITUTE POOL IMPACT
IN FISCAL YEAR 2024
TheSubstitutePool’sgoalthisyearwastogrowthenumberofprovidersaccessingtheprogram andcontinuetobuildthenumberofsubstituteswillingtoworkwithawiderangeofproviders Imaginemetitsgoal theSubstitutePoolboastedthehighestnumberofparticipating providersintheprogram’s7-yearhistory.1,053providerssuccessfullyreceivedsubstitutetime, representinga16%increasefromfiscalyear2023anda26%increasefromfiscalyear2022.
Moreover,theprogramcontinuedtobuildcommunitypartnershipswithlocalorganizationsto providejobopportunitiestoimmigrantsandrefugeeslookingtoentertheearlychildhood educationfield SubstitutesapprovedthroughpartnershipswithConnectCasinoRoad,MADRES deCasinoRoad,andReadytoWorkworkedatotalof2,942hoursforchildcarefacilitiesinfiscal year2024 Throughthesepartnershipsandotheroutreachefforts,wesawa95%increaseinthe numberofsubstitutesworkingformultipleprovidersoverlastfiscalyear
IMPACT
Delivered52,3146hoursofsubsidized substitutetimeprovided
22Counties
105Cities
171ZipCodes
90%fillrateforsubstituterequests
Substitutetimewasprovidedin10languages
148Substitutesworkedwithtwoormoreproviders
37acceptedshiftsforfourormoreproviders
8,975hoursoftrainingweredeliveredto substitutes
610currentandpotentialsubstitutesreceived trainingthroughImagine
58,783textsweresenttosubstitutesoffering openshifts
SUBSTITUTE POOL PARTNERS
MADRES,anonprofitorganizationproviding “educationalopportunitiesandtargeted socialsupportprogramstohelpSnohomish County’sLatinocommunitythrive”: https://madresdecasinordorg/about-usphp
ConnectCasinoRoad,“acollaborativeeffort ofmorethan15localpartnerstosupport familieslivingintheCasinoRoad neighborhoodofSouthEverett": https://wwwconnectcasinoroadorg/about-us
ReadyToWork(RTW)Partner Organizations: AsianCounselingandReferralService LiteracySource
““I used to care for children on my own here at home. I have a three-year-old little girl. My biggest motivation was her; she has autism. Everything I learned about early childhood education has helped me care for her I have known MADRES de Casino for a while now, and they were the ones who told me about the possibility of becoming a substitute through The Imagine Institute
I have loved taking care of children since I was little. When I was five-or six-years-old, I would ask to take care of other children. That's one of the reasons I have four kids. The Imagine Institute’s Substitute Pool program truly helped me a lot At the beginning I was feeling unsure You are an adult going back to taking classes, you don't know if the information is going to stick or if you ’ re going to be able to learn everything I thought it was going to be difficult to complete the training, but the hardest part was sitting still for so long. All the same, I managed. It was really good. It was good for me.
I liked the first classes because they were more about interacting with the classmates and learning from each other's experiences In fact, I was one of those students who talked a lot I had to remind myself to stop and let others talk I liked interacting with the other mothers and realizing that you are not alone in this.
It’s not just you, the one who is learning, but also the other participants, and you get to share your own experiences with them, see what works for them, and hear them say, ‘Woah, really? I had no idea!’
Over time you gain more knowledge... It provides you with an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to help, and to work with children. People shouldn’t let this opportunity go to waste. Give it a shot. It will be useful to you in your life, for your family, and for children Truly, I would encourage anyone to go for it You have nothing to lose ”
-KarinaPeñaColmenares
TRAINING
OVERVIEW
TheImagineInstitute’sTrainingProgramwas createdtoempowerchildcareprovidersto directtheirownprofessionaldevelopment,both bybecomingstate-approvedtrainersandto determinewhichtopics,inwhatlanguages,and atwhattimestrainingsshouldoccur.Priorto ImagineInstitute’sinception,morethan90%of allSTARStrainingwasconductedsolelyin English.¹⁴SincetheImagineInstituteandother trainingorganizationsbeganofferingtraining, thefieldexperiencedincreasesintraining conductedinSpanishof11%andbySomali languageof23%by2022,withtheImagine Institutehavingthemostevendistributionof languageofDCYFcontractedtrainingpartners.¹
⁵ Infiscalyear2024,theTrainingDepartment focusedonexpandingaccesstohigh-quality curricula,growingthenumberofchildcare providerswhocandeliverstate-approved trainingforImagine,andincreasingparticipants’ satisfactionwiththequalityofImaginetraining andtheprofessionalismofImagine-contracted trainers.
CURRICULA EXPANSION
Infiscalyear2024,theTrainingProgramcreatedsixnewtrainingmodules: TheArtofLeadingTeams,MarketingandBrandingYourEarlyLearningProgram 1&2,EmployeeRelations,RecruitingQualityStaff,andLeadingStafftoSuccess fortheSharedServicesDepartment
CulturallyResponsiveClassrooms
ThePoliticsofChildhood
GenderSocializationinEarlyChildhood
AdultCulture-HowAdultsShapeYoungChildren'sGenderDevelopment
PeerCultures-HowChildrenCo-constructGenderThroughPlay
Inadditiontodevelopingnewcurricula,Imagineprovidedtrain-the-trainer supporttoeightImaginetrainersonitsanti-racistandtrauma-informedcurricula, PREPAREforCare.ThiswillgreatlyincreaseourabilityforImaginetrainerstodeliver thesemodules.
TRAINER PATHWAYS
ToenhancethequalityofImaginetraining,allImaginetrainersparticipatein ourTrainerPathwaysprogram.ThroughTrainerPathways,trainersreceive15 hoursofstate-approvedtrainingannually,fivehoursofcoachingfromone ofImagine’sOrganizationalTrainerMentors,andastructuredobservation. Trainersareassessedattheemerging,establishing,ordeepeninglevels acrossallstandards:anti-racistpractices,participantlearning environments,participantengagement,supportingadultlearning,and learninglevelachievement.
InFY24,allobservedtrainersmetbaselineperformancelevelsacrossallfive standardsandreceivedatotalof76hoursofcoachingcalls.Eachtrainer receivedonehourofcoachingcalleveryothermonthandasneeded.
TRAINING PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
874 Licensedsubsidized familychildcare providers took4,354hours 217
Family,Friend,and Neighborproviders
15,922hoursoftraining
TRAINING IMPACT
IN FISCAL YEAR 2024
3914%ofalltrainingwasprovidedinEnglish, followedby36.64%inSpanishand24.21%inSomali
63%ofalltraininghourswereprovidedtoLFCCPs followedby37%ofalltraininghoursforFFNs
90%ofprovidersweresatisfiedwiththequalityof Imaginetrainings
$490,630in training incentives
92%ofprovidersfeltthattheImagineInstitutetrainersengagedinprofessional communication
79%ofparticipantsindicatedthattrainingwasprovidedintheirprimarylanguage
77%ofparticipantsindicatedthattrainingworkedfortheirschedule
82%ofprovidersindicatedthetrainingtheyreceivedwasrelevanttotheirworkinearly childhoodeducation
97%ofprovidersindicatedthatImagine-sponsoredcontentwasusefultotheirworkinearly childhoodeducation took
ThisfiscalyearsawthelargestnumberofnewtrainersapprovedbytheStateandteachingwithImagine sincetheprogrambeganinSeptember2016.Trainingandsupportfortrainersandmentorsweremerged andstreamlinedintoacomprehensiveumbrellaprogram,ProfessionalPathways.
TheTrainingdepartmentcontinuedtosharemandatoryeducationclassessuchasCPR/FirstAid/BBP,Child CareBasics,andEnhancingQualityEarlyLearningYear1andYear2.Sharingtheseclassesgaveustheability tomoveforwardwithneededclassesaswehavemoreECEstafftoattendthanjustoneprogramcanrecruit.
ExpandedlanguageaccessibilitywithASLgaveustheabilitytohelpaprovidermeettheir10hourSTARS requirement Trainingcontinuestoofferrelevantprofessionaldevelopmenttochildcareproviderstohelpin theirfacilities,andwecontinuetoseea7%growthofproviderstakingtrainingeveryfiscalyear oftraining
TRAINING GROWTH AND DEMAND
IN FISCAL YEAR 2024
DemandforImagine-sponsoredtrainingscontinuestogrowandisanimportant componentinLFCCPs’professionaldevelopment Numberoftrainingsofferedis dependentontheavailableCollectiveBargainingAgreement(CBA)funding InFY24, theTrainingDepartmentadjusteditsLFCCPmaximumincentivefrom$1,000per providerto$750duetoFY23exhaustingitsincentivesandspendingover$38,000in reservefundingtoensurethatLFCCPprovidersreceivedincentivesforSTARS trainings.
Regardlessoftheincentiveadjustmentsthisyear,Imagine’strainingCBAfunding wasexhaustedbyMay31,2024.
Eachyear,Imaginecontinuestoseea7%growthof providerstakingtrainingeveryfiscalyear.
Imagine’shigh-qualitytrainingscontinuetobeindemandwithlicensedchildcare providers.Over18%ofLFCCPswhoreachedtheirmaximumincentivesinFY24 continuedtotakeuncompensatedSTARStrainingthroughImagine’straining program.
TRAINING PROGRAM PARTICIPANT
““I became a licensed provider in 2019 and began taking trainings with the Imagine Institute right away. There were a variety of trainings to choose from. I have participated in trainings from learning about record keeping and taxes to organize my business, teaching children reading fundamentals, and PREPARE for Care trainings that have taught me how to work with children that have experienced trauma
The PREPARE for Care training is a series. One of my favorite trainings from the series gave me the tools to navigate through vicarious trauma and taught me ways to practice self-care This training sparked my interest in focusing on teachers caring for themselves and has led me to the capstone focus for my Bachelor’s degree
Five years later, I continue to take trainings at the Imagine Institute. They have given me the opportunity to meet goals in my program and increase my Early Achievers rating. The trainings offered at the Imagine Institute are topics that keep me interested and further my professional development As a provider, we work long hours, and I appreciate the thoughtful hours provided with evening and weekend trainings available I am thankful for the trainings and support the Imagine Institute offers providers, and I will continue to refer other providers.”
-AlexisWynn
Licensedchildcareprovider 5years
CONNECT
ThediversityofWashingtonState’searlylearningworkforcerequiresthat theorganizationsandsystemsthatsupportthemcanmeettheirneeds. Toensuresuccess,Imagine’sprogramsaredesignedbypeopleinthe earlylearningfieldwhowillbeparticipatingandusingthetools,resources, andtrainings.
Imagineconnectstheworkforcetocriticalandtechnicalsupportthat’s vitaltoeachprovider,especiallyinhighlymarginalizedcommunitiesand regions,tobeabletoseekandaccessfunding,training,andother technologysupportintheirpreferredlanguageandinwaysthatmeet theirneeds.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND OUTREACH
TheTechnicalAssistanceandOutreach(TAO) departmentprovidessupporttoparticipantsinall Imagineprograms.
Phoneandemailsupportareavailableinmultiple languagesincludingEnglish,Oromo,Spanish,and Somali.Additionally,TechnicalAssistants(TAs) providegrantsupportincludingassistanceinfilling outapplications Assistantsprovideoutreachcalls toparticipantstoinformthemofavarietyoftopics includingbutnotlimitedto,classreminders, informationregardingbenefits,andprogram deadlines.
O
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
4,000 participantsreceived technicalsupportthisfiscalyear OVER
acrossallparticipanttypes,including businessowners,programstaff, substitutes,mentors,interns,and trainers.
TAO IMPACT
IN FISCAL YEAR 2024
600 childcarebusinessowners receivedtechnicalassistance OVER
forgrantsupporttoaccesstargeted fundingfortheirbusinessesintheir preferredlanguage.
Fielded7,841incomingcallsfortechnicalassistancesupport
Performed9,067outreachcalls
Called844FFNproviderstooffer1:1electronicattendanceassistance
Provided292self-pacedpackets
Completedover2,050trainingremindercalls
DeliveredDCYF’sfirstcheckforunderstandingto179ECEEquityGrantawardees
All179awardeessuccessfullypassedwith100%
Providedtranslationsupportacrossmultiplegrantsandprograms
MorethanhalfofImagine’stechnicalassistanceandoutreachprogramstaff obtainedtheircertificateinSpecializationinGrantWriting&Management StrategiesthroughtheUniversityofWashingtonProfessionals&Continuing EducationprograminFY24.
TAO PARTICIPANT
““I started my child care program when my daughter was young, especially after struggling to find high-quality care in the area. When I bought my first home, I aimed to create a program that not only cared for children but also offered a well-planned curriculum I place great importance on teaching empathy, kindness, and respect, and hope that the lessons children learn in my program will benefit them as they grow into adulthood.
I discovered the Imagine Institute through an email and initially contacted my Early Achievers coach to verify its legitima Institute for technical assistance with other program needs One of Imagin on her for support with any question consistently goes above and beyond t
ABOUT US
TheImagineInstituteisa501c3nonprofitorganizationthatseekstogrow andsupportWashington’schildcareworkforce.Westrivetosupport childcareaccessforWashingtonchildrenbyelevatingandimproving thelivesofearlychildhoodeducatorswithculturallyresponsiveand state-approvedtraining,programs,andsupportsystems.Ourmissionis tocreatecommunityrelationshipsandinnovativeearlylearning programsthatempowerpeople,caringeverydayforeverygeneration
OUR PARTNERS
ANEW
CityofSeaTac
ClallamCountyEconomic DevelopmentCouncil CityofSeattleDepartmentof EducationsandEarlyLearning(DEEL)
CultivateLearning DepartmentofChildren,Youthand Families
IAMDistrict751 KingCounty MADRES MachinistsInstitute Navos
PierceCountyLaborCoalition
PortofSeattle
ReadyToWork(RTW)partnerorganizations: ServiceEmployeesInternationalUnionLocal 925
AsianCounselingandReferralSource LiteracySource
ShoreAquaticCenter
WashingtonBuildingTrades
WashingtonStateLaborCouncil
WorkforceGrowth,Quality,andRecognition (WGQR/DCYF)
