Author: hkurowsk

New findings from the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Worker Wage Boost pilot show how increasing wages helps retain talent and keep workers in the field. Launched in early 2025, the pilot invests $29 million in the child care workforce. Workers receive quarterly payments ($2,080 for full-time employees and $1,040 for part-time employees) from … Continue reading Data shows Best Starts for Kids’ pilot helps retain childcare workers

In the corner of the second floor of Seattle Central College, you’ll find a room full of friendly faces, community resources, and, critically, snacks. The snacks, a time-tested method of drawing hungry college students in, are a good hook, but what keeps students around are the relationships they build there and the resources they can … Continue reading Teamwork really does make the dream work: How the Learning Center Seattle team partners to support students

Last year, the King County Auditor’s Office released a report showing the need for stronger financial oversight at the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS). The report also detailed 10 recommendations for DCHS to implement to strengthen internal controls and stewardship of public dollars. Now, the department is making progress on the 10 recommendations, … Continue reading Strengthening Oversight: DCHS Moves Closer to Completing Audit Recommendations 

Last year, the King County Auditor’s Office released a report showing the need for stronger financial oversight at DCHS and identified 19 contracts for further review. Since then, DCHS has not only implemented stronger oversight and internal controls over public dollars, but the department—in partnership with King County’s Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD)—has now confirmed that no public funds were … Continue reading Final Review of Audited Contracts Shows No Loss of Funds to Fraud

Providers currently contracting with the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) are invited to join Dr. Susan McLaughlin, Director of King County DCHS, to learn about contract changes and requirements and available resources and support. A Q&A session will follow to answer questions, share resources, and hear more about providers’ experience.  September 9 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM  Virtual – Over Zoom  Register here or scan … Continue reading DCHS Provider Virtual Support: Join our contracting overview and listening session

Providers currently contracted with Best Starts for Kids are invited to join Dr. Susan McLaughlin, Director of King County’s Department of Community and Human Services, to learn about new contract requirements and available resources and support. A Q&A session will follow to answer questions, share resources, and hear more about providers’ experience.  Virtual Event: September 1 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM  To receive the … Continue reading Best Starts for Kids Provider Support Series: Upcoming Information & Listening Sessions on New Contract Requirements