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Program Spotlight: Shared Services Brings Child Care Providers Together

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 are eligible to participate!

Join Shared Services today!

Discover Benefits in Shared Services

Shared Services members can access many helpful resources, including:

  • Training and support: Receive free STARS training from peer mentors and experts in subjects such as anti-racist and trauma-informed care, early childhood education systems and technology, funding and grant writing, communications and marketing, and more.
  • Expert consultations and advice: Find help with human resources, taxes, bookkeeping, and more.
  • Policy Wizard: Quickly and easily create polished policies and parent handbooks.
  • Business website: Build a professional website from customizable templates.
  • Tools and Resources: Access free tools for creating budgets, managing your staff, and more.
  • Discounts and benefits: Receive exclusive discounts for learning supplies and other helpful resource, including one-year memberships to Brightwheel and QuickBooks Online Advanced.

 

Choose the Track That Works for You

Shared services members choose a track depending on how much time they have and which resources they need most.

The Discovery Track offers access to business tools and support without a set time commitment. This track is best suited for providers and directors who want a self-directed, flexible experience.

The Connect Track offers comprehensive support for providers and child care center directors looking to build community and receive one-on-one and small group professional development. This track requires a minimum time commitment of 1-3 hours per month.

Shared Services members who select the Connect Track join a Community of Care, a group of fellow child care providers who regularly connect to give each other support and advice.

Learn more about the Discovery and Connect Tracks!