Close

SIGN UP AND JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Become a Family Child Care Intern

While a career educating and caring for children is incredibly rewarding, the process of becoming a licensed family child care provider is often intimidating. Because of this, the Imagine Institute has created Imagine U, a program designed to help individuals as they prepare to open a licensed child care business.

 

Be part of the movement to increase access to warm, supportive, and quality child care to Washington’s children. 

Become a licensed family child care provider!

HOW IT WORKS

Intern Prerequisites

  • Register in the Washington State’s Professional Development Registry “MERIT” to obtain a STARS ID and complete the following:
    • A Portable Background Check
    • The Education Application that meets the DCYF requirement of high school diploma or equivalent
  • Obtain a TB test at your local health department or physician
  • DCYF Licensing Orientation Module 1
  • Complete the Facility Feasibility Checklist
  • Obtain permission from the homeowner or HOA to use the home for a licensed child care business

For priority placement, join the substitute pool and register for orientation and any training you haven’t completed.

Program Requirements

  • Meet and follow all Washington State WAC and RCW for a licensed family child care business
  • Follow all local building code requirements
  • Complete all required pre-service and in-service training to become licensed
  • Complete all milestone assignments in Matrix
  • Work in your mentor’s licensed family child care each month after being accepted
  • Commit to opening a licensed family child care and serving children on subsidy

DO STILL NEED ASSISTANCE SUBMITTING ALL OF YOUR PREREQUISITES?

We'll help you complete all licensing requirements for FREE.

(Applicant must pay for their own TB test, food handlers, PBC/fingerprints)

WATCH IMAGINE U HOW-TO-VIDEOS

How to log in to Matrix

Video in English

How to log in to Matrix

Video in Spanish

How to log in to Matrix

Video in Somali

© 2018 The Imagine Institute.
All rights reserved.