Celebrating a record number of graduates from King County Children, Youth and Young Adult Division programs! 

More than 234 young people celebrated earning their secondary credentials (GEDs or high school diplomas) last month thanks to several programs managed by the department’s Children, Youth, and Young Adults Division (CYYAD). Many of these young people also earned college credits.   CYYAD operates three learning centers for young people ages 16 to24. Run by our … Continue reading Celebrating a record number of graduates from King County Children, Youth and Young Adult Division programs! 

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

Meet the Young Leaders Getting Involved in Local Government to Improve King County Education Outcomes for Youth  

Young people bring an important perspective to our local government. That's why King County makes a concerted effort to recruit them to our local advisory boards so they can offer advice and oversight over funds that directly impact children and young people just like them.   The Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) supports investments for … Continue reading Meet the Young Leaders Getting Involved in Local Government to Improve King County Education Outcomes for Youth  

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!

The Children, Youth, and Young Adult Division’s 2024 Year in Review 

The Children, Youth, and Young Adult Division (CYYAD) works to ensure all young people in King County have equitable opportunities to be happy, healthy, safe, and thriving members of their communities.  In 2024, CYYAD was able to help young people accomplish their education and employment goals, build connections within their communities, and help families access … Continue reading The Children, Youth, and Young Adult Division’s 2024 Year in Review