This was originally posted on the Best Starts for Kids blog. Young people have deep expertise about the resources and supports they and their peers need to be well. That's why Best Starts funds the Youth Healing Project, which provides mini grants to young people to create mental health supports for their peers. The Youth … Continue reading Announcing the 27 awardees of the Youth Healing Project
Learn about the child care workers enrolled in the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot
This was originally posted on the Best Starts for Kids blog. Child care is the work that makes all other work possible. But for too long, child care workers have been underpaid and underrecognized for the essential work they do. We’re working to change that. That’s why we launched the Best Starts for Kids Child … Continue reading Learn about the child care workers enrolled in the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot
Sheila Ater Capestany departs Children, Youth, and Young Adult Division; King County leaders gather to recognize her lasting impact
After over a decade with King County Department of Community and Human Services, Sheila Ater Capestany will depart the Children, Youth and Young Adult Division for an exciting new chapter as Executive Director for Start Early Washington. Ahead of her departure, King County leaders and community members came together to recognize Sheila’s visionary leadership … Continue reading Sheila Ater Capestany departs Children, Youth, and Young Adult Division; King County leaders gather to recognize her lasting impact
UPDATE: Best Starts Child Care Worker Wage Boost issues $2.6 million to child care workers so far in 2025
Nearly 1,000 child care workers across King County received a pay increase in 2025 thanks to the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Worker Wage Boost Pilot. Through 2027, the pilot will provide quarterly wage boosts for an annual salary increase of $8,320 for full-time workers and $4,160 for part-time workers. The boost’s impact will … Continue reading UPDATE: Best Starts Child Care Worker Wage Boost issues $2.6 million to child care workers so far in 2025
Child care workers and employers: We want to hear from you!
This was originally posted on the Best Starts for Kids blog. Applications for the Best Starts for Kids Wage Boost Pilot opened February 10 and we want to make sure we hear from child care workers and employers about their experience and well-being. Directors and owners who apply or have already applied should receive an email or text … Continue reading Child care workers and employers: We want to hear from you!
Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot application is live!
This was originally posted on the Best Starts for Kids blog. Child care facilities can now apply to join the Best Starts Child Care Wage Boost Pilot. Applications close March 7. Apply here! Eligible facilities will be selected by lottery, and workers at selected facilities can enroll to receive a quarterly payment to increase their … Continue reading Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot application is live!