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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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More
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