Provider Pathways

The Imagine Institute is here to help and provide support and guidance in your professional journey.

The Imagine Institute’s Provider Pathways program supports mentors and trainers in reaching their professional goals through real-life, high-quality training and coaching. The program offers scaffolded professional development that builds upon lived experience, enhances instructional skills, and promotes continuous growth.

Mentor Pathways

Trainer Pathways

Mentor Pathways is a year-long program that connects child care providers through hands-on mentorship, peer support, and professional development. Mentors share expertise, guide new providers, and help connect them with key resources through Imagine U and Shared Services. Participants engage in continued professional development, attend bi-monthly professional learning communities, and receive ongoing mentor-specific skill-building.

Trainer Pathways is a multi-step program that prepares providers to become state-approved trainers and supports their continued growth from entry-level to advanced and beyond. The Imagine Institute values providers’ lived experience and offers ongoing opportunities to develop the unique skills needed to effectively teach adult learners.

Meet The ORGANIZATION TRAINER MENTORS

An Organization Trainer Mentor (OTM) is a designated staff member within an organization contracted by DCYF who supports individuals through the State-Approved Trainer (SAT) approval process. OTMs provide direct mentoring, coaching, and guidance to trainer applicants affiliated with their organization. They are responsible for ensuring that applicants follow the required steps, uphold quality standards, and meet DCYF expectations. OTMs are committed to maintaining the integrity of the trainer approval process by adhering to quality assurance protocols and offering consistent, supportive communication throughout the applicant’s onboarding journey.

State-Approved Trainer

How it works

Complete the Imagine Institute trainer application
Complete DCYF MERIT application
Core Competency Demonstration
Complete the 6-module DCYF Trainer Basics
Co-facilitate initial training/Train the Trainer
Complete trainer portfolio (resume, etc.)
Sign the Imagine Institute trainer contract

Eligibility

Resources

Professional Development Strategies

Professional Development Strategies | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

What is State-Approved Training

DCYF State-Approved Training Program

Trainer Approval Process Instructions

State-Approved Trainer Application Checklist – English

Lista de Solicitud del Capacitador Autorizado Estatal – Spanish

Liiska Hubinta Codsiga Tababaraha ay Dowladda Gobolka Ansixisay – Somali

Learn About Trainer Standards

Introducing the Trainer Standards

Trainer Standards

State-approved trainer standards – English

Trainer Standards-sp.pdf – Spanish

Standards of Practice and Professionalism for State-Approved Training

Standards of Practice and Professionalism for State-approved Training FY23 -English

Estándares de práctica y profesionalismo para capacitadores aprobados por el estado correspondientes al año fiscal 2023 – Spanish

NAEYC Professional Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics | NAEYC

2024 Codes of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators – English

2024 Codes of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators – Spanish

Relationship-Based Professional Development Standards

Relationship-Based Professional Development Standards – English

Criterios de desarrollo para profesionales que se basan en las relaciones – Spanish

Relationship-Based Professional Development Standards Frequently Asked Question

RBPD Standards FAQ.pdf – English

Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals

EPS_0023 Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals – English

EPS_0023 Awoodaha Muhiimka ah ee Daryeelka Barbaarinta iyo Waxbarashada Xirfadlayaasha – Somali

EPS_0023 Competencias básicas del estado de Washington para los profesionales de la educación y la atención temprana – Spanish

Core Competencies for School-Age Child Care and Expanded Learning Professionals

EPS_0084 Core Competencies for School-Age Child Care and Expanded Learning Professionals – English

EPS_0084 Competencias básicas para profesionales del cuidado de niños en edad escolar y del aprendizaje continuo – Spanish

EPS_0084 Xirfadaha Muhiimka ah ee Daryeelka Caruurta Da’da Dugsiga iyo Xirfadlayaasha Waxbarashada Labalaadhiyey – Somali

State-Approved Mentor

How it works

Apply to be an Imagine U Mentor
Match with an Imagine U Intern
Successfully complete a Relationship-Based Professional Development course
Help your intern assess their licensing readiness
Work a minimum of 20 hours per month with your Intern
Meet online frequently for professional learning opportunities and required training with your peers to support one another as you help your interns progress
Help your Intern become licensed!

Eligibility

State-Approved Mentors Must:

Be an active licensed family child care provider
Care for a subsidized child and be eligible to be part of the SEIU 925 bargaining unit
Maintain a license in good standing
Meet the minimum education requirement
Find or be willing to be paired with an intern or interns