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Childcare Health Advocate Program

Atlantic Street Center

Last Updated: January 2025
Contact
Region(s) Served
  • Seattle
  • South King County
Child Care Providers Served
  • Family, Friend, and Neighbor
  • Licensed Child Care Center
  • Licensed Family Child Care Homes
  • License-Exempt Part Day Preschool
Services Offered
  • Resources and Support for Child Evaluation / Diagnosis
  • Child-to-caregiver Relationship
  • Community Resources & Referrals
  • Developmental Disabilities or Delays Consultation
  • Developmental Screening
  • Health and Safety Assessment
  • Hearing Screening
  • Medication & Care Plan Review
  • Staff and Caregiver Health and Wellness
  • Vision Screening
Language(s) Spoken
  • English
Age Groups Served
  • Infant (0-1)
  • Toddler (1-3)
  • Preschooler (3-5)
Fees
  • No Cost - Best Starts for Kids Funding
Availability
Accepting New Clients
Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM

About Our Program

Atlantic Street Center Childcare Advocate Program

Focusing on bridging gaps in the community by bringing access and opportunities to some of the most vulnerable populations, encouraging their excellence and growth as well as enriching the community in the process.

Meet the Team
  • Childcare Advocate(s) 
    • Merrion Beaver, has over 20 years' experience in early childhood education, center-based trauma informed care and home visiting.
    • Damica Shelton, experienced home visitor
  • Health Specialist - Veronica Hicks, licensed Physician Assistant
  • Program Coordinator - Tamar Devers
  • Early Learning Director - Diesha Rodgers M.ED.
    • Both have over 20 years' experience in early childhood education, center-based trauma informed care, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health and home visiting.
Description of Services Offered
  • Monthly one on one consultations with childcare provider 

  • Workshops and classes for childcare providers with a focus on issues that affect the BIPOC community at higher rates.

  • Health screenings (e.g., vision and hearing screenings) 

  • Counseling, educating and writing care plans and coordinating the care of children with providers and families if needed. 

  • Aid in the evaluation and referral of children that may need additional support services.

  • Supply resources and referrals to social service agencies to childcare providers and families.

Communities Served

Childcare advocate program will provide training and assistance to childcare providers that primarily serve low-income Black families and other people of color in south Seattle and South King County.