Want to become a licensed childcare provider in Klickitat County? KCCC can help.
KCCC resources support licensing new operators
by Tammy Kaufman
Goldendale, WA - When starting any new childcare business, individuals may feel overwhelmed by regulatory hurdles and the cost of startup expenses. Getting connected with local resources such as Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC) can make it possible to open an at-home business and may make the journey a much more pleasant experience.
The licensing process for childcare providers focuses on safe care, healthy environments, nurturing relationships, and early childhood education.
“Most people who want to start a licensed childcare business in their home want to be more than a babysitter. They want to create a home learning environment,” said Larissa Leveque, the childcare liaison for the KCCC.
She said the arrangement typically benefits their family, giving them the flexibility to work from home, and the parents who need childcare services and prefer the home environment.
A child develops rapidly and learns essential social, emotional, and academic life skills in the first eight years, laying the foundation for their future success, according to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).
The new provider must begin the licensing process to get started but Leveque says they don’t have to do it alone.
KCCC can help connect the potential applicant with a DCYF coach to help them through the process.
Upon application, a family home licensee must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete some pre-service requirements (WAC 110-300-0105). At this point, the licensee can begin the education program if they don’t already hold the necessary certificates.
In Washington, coursework happens in succession through completing Stackable Certificates. Local community colleges in Vancouver, Yakama, and The Dalles offer the necessary programs.
“It can all seem daunting,” Leveque said, “but early education professionals have five years to complete an Initial Certificate and two more years to complete a Short Certificate. That is a generous timeframe.”
Another hurdle for new family home providers is the startup costs to prepare to open their homes as childcare centers. Johanna Roe, project coordinator and grant writer for KCCC, said the group has been working hard to help new providers overcome this obstacle.
“We recently used grant funding to help a new provider in Dallesport with several items needed to pass her home safety inspection,” Roe said. “We were able to help with a fence installation, which was a major safety item needed to bring her home to code. This helped her finish her licensing requirements and open her doors to provide care for the children of local families.”
Funding comes from the Washington State Department of Commerce. A portion of the grant was set aside to purchase goods and services that help eliminate and reduce barriers for new childcare providers to begin their operations.
KCCC has used a portion of the funds to put together five kits, including diapers, wipes, a bottle warmer, child-safe silverware, plates, and bowls. Additional items like sleeping mats, an activity table, a child-sized toilet seat, a high chair, a locked medicine cabinet, and a fire extinguisher help equip the new childcare facilities. Four kits are still available for new childcare providers who are going through the licensing process.
“In addition to equipment purchases, the available funding can also pay for training opportunities to support providers in meeting their education requirements,” Roe said. “We are very grateful for the flexibility the grant allows KCCC to reach its goal of increasing childcare access in Klickitat County. It is helping us overcome barriers and address real needs.”
Roe and Leveque encourage anyone interested in learning more about the Klickitat County Childcare Committee to email kccc@wagap.org or visit the website at http://www.gorgeearlylearning.com/kccc.html. The site includes helpful links and a quick resource guide for someone starting their journey to become a licensed childcare provider.
About KCCC
In 2019, KCCC started efforts to increase the number of childcare businesses throughout the county, where there is a dire need for providers. The group has been working with DCYF to connect area residents with the resources they need to make the process easier.
“We know it can seem overwhelming to start a new business,” said Leslie Naramore, Washington Gorge Action Programs executive director. “KCCC is here to help link people with resources and supplies to make their goal a reality.”
KCCC released a Childcare Feasibility Study in 2021, highlighting the lack of options for parents across the county. The group continues to engage partners to look for solutions.
Ideas have included the possible conversion of the former Klickitat County Public Works building into a new childcare center or building a new center with some assistance from the City of Goldendale.
Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler worked to secure $583,390 in funding to renovate or construct a facility in Goldendale in the FY22 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. WAGAP is now currently working with Beutler’s office to receive instructions to access the funds for this vital community development project.
