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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

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

Imagine Spotlight Pierce County: Diego Ramos

April 8, 2024

The Imagine Institute helps support early learning providers all across Washington State, and like to keep track of the progress these providers are making. This week, we want to introduce you to Diego Ramos, who is helping kids in Pierce County, and helping to start a new trend in helping other providers in his community. MEET DIEGO Diego lives in Tacoma and has been a licensed family home child care provider for about three years, but his training goes back even

A young woman with brown hair stands on a beach

Imagine Spotlight: Alexis Wynne

March 15, 2024

This week, we are excited to highlight Alexis Wynne, who runs a family home child care business in Auburn, Washington. MEET ALEXIS Alexis grew up in the child care business. Her mother, Carli Meek, started Little Steps Discovery Zone when Alexis was 7 years old and her sister was a baby. When she was a young teenager, Alexis started volunteering at Little Steps. She took a break after graduating high school, but she soon found her way back to child care.

Two women, a mother and her adult daughter, sit in a car together

Imagine Spotlight: Carli Meek

March 11, 2024

This week, we are excited to highlight Carli Meek, the program manager for Imagine U and a longtime child care provider in Auburn, Washington. MEET CARLI When Carli had her second daughter in 2004, she had just finished dental assistant school. But her plans quickly changed. Her sister also had a newborn, and the two enjoyed staying home with their babies so much, they decided to start a family home child care business. “I was able to stay home with my

A photo of a home child care space with blue tables and chairs and colorful rugs

Imagine Spotlight: Irma Acosta (in English and en español)

January 26, 2024

This week, we are thrilled to highlight Irma Acosta, who runs a family home child care business and a child care center in Brewster, Washington. MEET IRMA Irma Acosta’s years of dedication to child care have made her a leader in her community. She has run her family home child care business, Happy Faces Daycare, for 20 years. In September 2023, she opened Bilingual Child Care Center as well. Her work has helped keep her area from being considered a child

A child making a pumpkin craft with glue, feathers and pompoms

Imagine Spotlight: Linda Leslie

October 31, 2023

This week, we are thrilled to spotlight Linda Leslie, owner of Sweet Pea’s Early Learning Place in Yelm, Washington. MEET LINDA Linda is a family child care provider and a state-approved peer Mentor who started her business 23 years ago! Linda grew up in Washington State and has lived in many communities in Western Washington. She worked as a preschool teacher before building her home in Yelm. Linda was seeking child care for her own two children when she decided to make

Program Spotlight: Shared Services Brings Child Care Providers Together

August 23, 2023

Child care providers across Washington build friendships and find support through the Shared Services Hub! Shared Services is a partnership between The Imagine Institute and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. It connects licensed family child care providers and child care center directors to resources and services to help grow their businesses, build bonds with fellow providers, and access free training and expert advice. All licensed family child care providers and independent child care center directors in Washington State

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

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

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

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