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We are seeking proposals to develop and implement a local child care provider rate augmentation and family subsidy program.
Why Investing in Basic Needs is Essential
The responsibility of raising a child is immense, especially during the crucial years from birth to age five. While all parents strive to provide the best for their children, many families face significant challenges in meeting even the most fundamental needs. Access to basic necessities like diapers, wipes, babyproofing materials, and gas vouchers can be life-changing for families. Basic needs are not luxuries but fundamental components of a child's healthy environment and a parent's ability to provide consistent care.
These programs offer more than temporary relief; they build a foundation for long-term health, stability, and opportunity. Find out how the Healthy Children’s Fund is adding capacity to our local nonprofit system by contracting with local organizations that are already working with families in need to ensure they have access to basic supplies.
Read our latest blog post to learn how Healthy Children’s Fund Basic Needs Funding supports Lydia Place families.
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Upcoming Free Virtual Course for Parents
Starting October 4, Washington Family Engagement will host the Washington Institute for Parent Leadership (IPL). IPL is a free 10-week virtual course consisting of 18 sessions. This course is available for parents, caregivers, and professionals. Attendees will learn leadership, civic engagement, and partnership skills to deepen their involvement in schools and communities.
This course is available in English and Spanish. Interested parents should fill out the interest form. Space is limited.
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Small Capital Projects Request for Proposal (RFP) Published
We are asking local groups to send us proposals to expand the number of childcare slots in Whatcom County through small capital construction projects. Examples include projects that expand, renovate, or repurpose physical spaces to increase licensed early learning and care slots.
This small capital RFP would provide funding through reimbursement, so participating groups must have enough funding to pay for the project and meet expenses before being reimbursed.
The total funding for this RFP is $1.5 million, and multiple organizations are expected to receive awards of $50,000 or more per award.
For more information or to review application details, read the RFP.
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New State Laws to Increase & Expand Childcare
New laws went into effect on July 27 to simplify how childcare centers can open and operate by reducing barriers for existing and prospective providers. Improvements include:
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More Locations (Senate Bill 5509): Cities and towns must allow childcare centers in most zones, making it easier to open them in residential and commercial areas. Conditional use will be allowed even in light industrial and industrial zones.
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Maximizing Use of Existing Buildings (Senate Bill 5655): Building owners, and popular childcare locations, like churches, can more easily use their current spaces for childcare without complex building occupancy issues. For example, the occupancy load of a childcare center will be based only on the area where the services are provided.
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Military Family Support (Senate Bill 5545): A new partnership will certify childcare providers near Washington military bases, expanding options for service members, while retaining safety enforcement through DCYF.
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Financial & Technical Help (Senate Bill 5195): State funding into DCYF for technical assistance is available for new and existing childcare providers. DCYF will continue collaborating with the Department of Commerce who administers the Early Learning Facilities (ELF) loans and grant program. This includes grants to expand services (like converting Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) slots from part-day to full-day programs), expanding eligibility to Tribal compact schools, and making it easier for those with financial hardship to qualify by removing project funding matching as part of the eligibility requirements.
Healthy Children's Fund in the Community
Early Childhood Resource Fair
On July 10, staff from our children and families program attended the Early Childhood Resource Fair for families with kids birth to five years old. We shared information about the Healthy Children's Fund and passed out swag
 Bellingham Kids Fest
On August 2, our Children and Families program staff attended Bellingham Kids Fest. Our table passed out information about the Healthy Children’s Fund and passed out swag. Over 500 people stopped by our table.
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About the Healthy Children's Fund
The Healthy Children's Fund is the result of more than 10 years of work by hundreds of people from public and private groups. It is a voter-approved initiative that helps young children and their families in Whatcom County. The fund aims to create a county where:
- More children are safe, healthy and ready to learn.
- Families are strong, stable and supported.
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