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Our Impact

finding child care can be difficult or impossible for many working families in our state.

Child care is the single

biggest

monthly expense

for some families.

exceeds the average cost of in-state college tuition in more than half of states in the U.S.

QUALITY

CHILD CARE

IS A GOOD INVESTMENT.

Low-income children who have access to high quality child care are

less likely to be held back, referred to special education, incarcerated and more likely to graduate high school, and attend college.

To increase access to child care for Washington families, the Imagine Institute has helped open

600

child care facilities

throughout the state

These child care facilities provide care to up to 7,200 children each year.

There are critical points in the children’s development where it is important to ensure that they have experiences that support their growth and development.  

The role of an educator involves complex
responsibilities and research shows that

  • early childhood educators must be
    as skilled as teachers in the K-12 system.
  • ensure that children are safe and have their primary needs care for.
  • responsible for providing an environment that is stimulating and emotionally nurturing.
  • expected to build positive
    relationships with children
  • integrating a respectful
    approach
    based on the child’s
    ability without shaming or
    demeaning the child.

The Imagine Institute has provided high quality instruction to

3,198

child care providers

throughout the state

topics: child development, trauma-informed care, anti-racist early childhood education, STEM and executive function.

There are currently

606

substitutes in washington state

Stats last updated January 2024