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 raised in Clallam County, Cassie’s experience working with children as a Special Education teacher meets a deeply rooted need for child care in the area. Her love for early learning came to a head when local councils and committees reached out to her about becoming a licensed provider.
“The need in Clallam Bay is so great. Children need a place where they can thrive, and parents need to work! I am in a unique position to support early development. My dream of opening an early childhood program is coming true!”
Cassie’s child care.
With her background as a Special Education teacher, a coordinator at a neighboring school district, and help from the community, Cassie decided to start something new and offer a new child care option for the community she loves.
“The Child Care Task Force with Prevention Works, Clallam County Economic Development Council, Clallam Bay School District, and Clallam Bay Correctional Center really started the ball rolling and building this option to support the community. When they were seeking an owner/operator, I was contacted and loved the idea.”
STARTING A BUSINESS
One of the biggest hurdles in Cassie’s journey to starting her own business was to understand the licensing process, writing policies, and meeting all the requirements to become a licensed child care provider. She says thanks to a grant, Imagine was brought in to help her navigate all of it.
Cassie’s child care.
“The Clallam County Economic Development team hired Imagine as a consultant to help me develop my plans to become licensed, including building policies, staff plan, an operational budget, and all the steps it takes to navigate the licensing process.”
Cassie says the Imagine Institute even helped her find staff by posting job descriptions and creating a staffing plan. She also joined the Shared Services Hub to access some of the operational tools like business supports and leadership and staff training as well as the substitute pool.
“I will be evaluating the enrollment requests and accommodate as many families as I can while balancing the hiring and training of new staff and their schedules.”
The Clallam Bay Early Learning Center is up and running as of February 3rd, and Cassie says she will be working hard to make this center the best it can be for her community.
“I have experienced all kinds of relationships with families, supported them through struggles, and joined in for celebrations and milestones and is looking forward to partnering with many families on their children’s early development.”
You can learn more about Cassie and her child care center on her website. Just click here – Clallam Bay Early Learning Center (CBELC)