Child Care Health Resource Library

Description copied from website "Our Mission" page

About HealthyChildren.org 
HealthyChildren.org is the only parenting website backed by 67,000 pediatricians—committed to the physical, mental and emotional health of all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

This site is created and powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to child health.

Why we exist

Every parent deserves guidance they can trust—especially in moments of stress or uncertainty.

That's why every article on HealthyChildren.org is grounded in the latest

The American Academy of Pediatrics' Fact Checked page addresses the latest misinformation by providing clear, science-backed messaging to support children and families. 

The AAP also powers the HealthyChildren.org parenting website and has published an article about pediatricians to follow on social media for trustworthy information on children's health. 

DCYF's Child Care and Early Learning Licensing Guidebook is organized around the seven major WAC sections: 

• Intent and Authority
• Child Outcomes
• Family Engagement and Partnerships
• Professional Development, Training and Requirements
• Environment
• Interactions and Curriculum
• Program Administration and Oversight

The guidebook is translated into multiple languages. 

For questions, email dcyf.communications@dcyf.wa.gov.

June 2025 update: DCYF is reviewing the guidebook.

The Imagine Institute offers trainings for: 

• Licensed family child care providers (FCC)
• Family, friends, and neighbors (FFN)
• Substitute teachers
• Child care center directors and staff

All of the Imagine trainings are Washington state-approved and free. Cash incentives are offered for FCC and FFN providers. Trainings may be offered in Spanish and Somali--contact Imagine for more information.

Training topics include: 

• Anti-racist early childhood education
• Special needs
• STEM
• Strengthening business practices
• Child Care Basics 30-hour training
• CPR / First Aid
• and more

Tip: Webpage can be translated into Spanish

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families presents information about Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which provide comprehensive early learning services to eligible children and families. The webpage includes details on program benefits, eligibility, and how providers can participate or support Head Start initiatives.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families presents a variety of child care grant opportunities to support early learning providers. The webpage details funding programs such as the Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant, Child Care Complex Needs Fund, and Early Childhood Equity Grant, including eligibility criteria and application timelines.

The Washington State Department of Health presents resources and guidance for child care providers on testing drinking water for lead and copper. The webpage outlines testing requirements, health risks of lead exposure, and offers free water testing through the EPA’s WIIN Grant program.

Washington State Department of Health presents the Immunization Manual for Schools, Preschools, and Child Care Facilities helps staff who serve on the immunization frontline at schools, preschools, and child care facilities. You'll find helpful information and resources to answer questions about immunization requirements, process Certificates of Immunization Status, and complete status reports.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children and adults in care settings. The webpage offers program details, eligibility guidelines, policy updates, and training resources to support healthy food service in child care centers, adult day care facilities, and afterschool programs.

NCHBHS designs evidence-based resources and delivers innovative training and technical assistance (TTA) to build the capacity of Head Start and other early childhood programs to:

• Support children’s healthy development and school success
• Promote the safety of children, families, and staff
• Provide culturally and linguistically responsive services
• Address disaster preparedness, response, and recovery  
• Mitigate adversity through trauma-informed care