Blog

Filter

Crossing into Kindergarten: How Child Care Providers Set Little Learners Up for Success

August 28, 2026

Now that Summer is winding down, it’s time to think about heading back to school. One of the biggest challenges for child care providers is getting their kids ready for the classroom. Some of the older children have already experienced this back-to-school process, but for younger kids, it may be their first time ever heading into a classroom setting. Where do I start? There are certainly a lot of things to think about when getting kids ready for their first day of

Summer Activities: Ice Blocks and Sponge Necklaces

August 21, 2026

Summer is in full swing and it’s important for kids to get outside and enjoy nature. We have come up with a few fun activities that will help kids get familiar with the outdoors and learn some new skills. These are easy to do, and fun for the entire group. Ice Block Painting – On a hot summer day, this can be a great way to get kids outside and staying cool. Take some poster paint, and put it into an ice

Staying Safe in the Sun: How to Keep Little Ones Protected from the Sun

July 24, 2026

Every sunny day is an invitation to play, but for children, too much unprotected sun exposure comes with real risks. Skin damage from UV rays accumulates over a lifetime, and the habits we establish in childhood can make a profound difference. Why Sun Protection Is So Important for Children Children’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin, making it more vulnerable to UV damage. Research from the American Academy of Dermatology shows that even a few serious sunburns in childhood can significantly

When School’s Out: Why One-Size-Fits-All Child Care Doesn’t Work

July 15, 2026

Summer break brings a familiar scramble for families: school is out, but work isn’t. As parents search for child care centers to fill that gap, it’s tempting for programs to treat every child equally. The centers that get it right are the ones that stop thinking in terms of the group and start meeting the needs of each child according to their age. Toddlers: Routine is Key For toddlers, the world is still brand new, and consistency is everything. A predictable daily

The Summer Rush: How Child Care Centers Prepare for the Influx of Kids

July 7, 2026

When school lets out for the summer, child care centers often experience a surge in enrollment. Working parents need a safe place to watch their kids during the day and many centers welcome school-age children alongside their regular preschool programs. While this seasonal increase creates new opportunities, it also presents unique challenges for providers. One of the biggest concerns is maintaining quality care while accommodating more children. Additional students can mean busier schedules and increased demand on staff. Providers must ensure they

Juneteenth: Honoring History, Strengthening Community, and Investing in the Future

June 18, 2026

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and recognize the work that continues to build stronger communities for future generations. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. In 2021, Washington state officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday, and shortly thereafter it became a federal holiday. As we observe Juneteenth,

Fun Spring Activities to Keep Kids Creative and Active

June 2, 2026

It’s that time of year again when the sun stays out longer and the weather gets warmer. It’s also the perfect season for kids to get outside, stay active, and explore their creativity. If you’re looking for simple ways to get kids excited about Spring, here are a few fun activities your kids can enjoy while learning along the way. Shadow Tracing This is one of the easiest activities you can do with your kids. Take them outside and find a bright

Provider Spotlight: Nidia Hernandez

November 17, 2025

View in Español Opening Mundo de Juguetes in Federal Way Through Partnership, Persistence, and Community Support MEET NIDIA When Nidia Hernandez opened Mundo de Juguetes in Federal Way, she wasn’t simply starting a business. She was stepping into a calling she had been preparing for quietly, patiently, and with unwavering belief. As one of three providers to open through the City of Federal Way’s investment in the Imagine Institute’s Imagine U program, Nidia’s success shows what can happen when determination meets the

Answering the Call for Providers During the Pandemic

May 22, 2025

View in Español The Imagine Institute is driving meaningful change in early learning across Washington State- but it’s the strength of provider relationships that truly brings that mission to life. One powerful example is Maria Muñoz, a licensed provider whose journey into child care was inspired by her deep passion for supporting children and strengthened by the guidance of a trusted mentor. We took some time to meet with Maria to learn more about her experiences with child care and Imagine U.

From Intern to Mentor: One Provider’s Impact with Imagine U

May 13, 2025

View in Español One of the most powerful parts of the Imagine U program at the Imagine Institute is the meaningful, lasting relationships built between mentors and interns. Through our peer-based mentorship model, new early learning providers are paired with experienced mentors who understand the journey firsthand. Amparo Yoguez Rubio is one of our mentors who has made a lasting impact on many interns over the years. We spoke with Amparo to learn more about her story— what inspires her, what she’s

Warming Up – Spring Activities for Kids

April 18, 2025

The calendar has now flipped over into the Spring season, meaning it’s time to create some fun crafts and activities with your kids. It’s the time of year when kids start to go outside more, learn about nature, and have fun. Here are a few ideas to get kids excited about the Spring season. Make a Bird Feeder – This may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually an easy way to get kids interested in birds. First, cut an

Providers Find Community in Kitsap County

February 18, 2025

Child care and early learning have one of the strongest communities in any professional field. It’s an industry built on togetherness and support where families, providers, and supporting organizations alike come together to benefit the youth across Washington State. In Kitsap County, Elisha Rhodes, Catalina María Escamilla Fonseca, and Tenika Williams are part of a strong early learning community connected by their work with the Imagine Institute. MEET ELISHA, CATALINA, AND TENIKA Elisha Rhodes began her journey toward licensure five years ago

Child Care Center Opens New Doors For Parents In Clallam County

February 14, 2025

Often when we think of child care needs, our thoughts tend to gravitate towards highly populated areas of our state. In reality, child care is a universal need for families all over Washington State. Over in the Olympic Peninsula, Cassie Davidson is preparing to open Clallam Bay Early Learning Center. With help from the Imagine Institute and her passion and dedication to early learning, Cassie is hoping to bring some much-needed relief to families in this beautiful community. MEET CASSIE Born and

Fun Activities for Kids on Valentine’s Day

February 11, 2025

February has arrived, and that means another Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. While some kids may be celebrating for the first time, others may be looking for some fun activities to show their love for this special day. We have a few things you can do with your kids to get them interested in Valentine’s Day. Fake Stained-Glass Heart Designs – Start with a white sheet of paper. Then mix glue with black paint and create a heart design on

From Germany to Ghana: One Provider’s Journey to Child Care

February 4, 2025

It started as a way to help her family, but now one provider in Western Washington has turned early childhood education into a career. For more than three decades Carol Morris has been involved in child care, and she is working with the Imagine Institute to help others start their own provider business. She also is planning an educational trip to Ghana. MEET CAROL Carol Morris grew up in the Chicago area and joined the military after High School. While she was

Stopping the Boredom: Fun Activities for Kids This Winter

January 21, 2025

Cold, clouds, and rain can put a damper on your activities this winter, but there is plenty you can do to stop the winter blues! We have come up with a few fun things you can do to help entertain and educate your kids. Make Your Own Winter Snow Globe – Start by finding a mason jar, or an airtight glass container. Then, add some water and have the kids add some glitter or bright plastic pieces. They can even add in

Boosting Support for Child Care Workers: The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot

January 17, 2025

Child care workers are the backbone of our communities, nurturing the youngest among us and helping families maintain a stable work-life balance. However, despite the essential nature of their work, child care workers are often among the lowest-paid professionals in our society. King County is working to change that through the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot. What is the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot? The Pilot is designed to increase the wages of child

The Imagine Institute Helps Provider Realize Her Dream

October 29, 2024

Helping with early childhood learning is a passion for many people across Washington State, but it can sometimes be difficult to learn all the tools or even get the correct licenses to run a business. Marycruz Contreras says Imagine helped her get through these roadblocks to realize her dream of running her own child care business. MEET MARYCRUZ Marycruz has been working in child care and early childhood learning for nearly three decades. In 2010, she started her journey to become a

Finding Fall Activities For Kids And Families

October 6, 2024

There’s a chill in the air, and that means the season is changing from summer to fall. With the cooler weather, it’s time to think about some fun activities to do both indoors and outdoors. We have put together a list of ideas you can choose from to get kids excited about the fall season. Fall Stained Glass Window – This unique activity will get kids involved and leave a lasting reminder of the fall season. First, have kids gather a bunch

Imagine U at Local Events September 2024

September 5, 2024

The Imagine Institute’s vision of affordable, high-quality care for every child in Washington State is rooted in community. We aim to build an accessible, strong, and diverse development system that elevates and improves the lives of child care providers and professionals and a huge part of that involves going out into our region and meeting potential providers face-to-face. This September, Imagine U, the Imagine Institute’s relationship-based mentorship program, is attending a couple of events out in the community. Imagine U identifies potential