Connected Care: Child Care Aware of Washington & Help Me Grow Join Forces for Families

by Rosie Alfaro-Toledo

At Child Care Aware of Washington, we believe that every child deserves quality early learning experiences and every family deserves support that meets them where they are. For over 30 years, we’ve connected Washington families with trusted child care options, provided resources for early learning providers, and partnered with communities to ensure equitable access to quality care.

We know that child care is more than just a service—it’s a foundation for whole-family wellbeing. Families often tell us their child care provider is one of the first people outside their circle to truly know their child—celebrating milestones, noticing when extra support might be needed, and guiding them to the right resources. Providers are not just educators; they’re often a family’s first bridge to developmental screenings, early intervention services, and other critical supports.

That’s why we’re so proud to partner with Help Me Grow Washington, a statewide network coordinated by WithinReach. Their team connects families to a broad range of resources, from health coverage and food assistance to developmental support and parenting programs.

Seamless Support—No Wrong Door
Through this partnership, our call centers are working together so families get connected, not redirected. Whether a parent starts by calling us for child care or Help Me Grow for health resources, they’ll be guided to the full spectrum of supports available in Washington.

This means:

  • More efficient connections: Families spend less time navigating systems and more time getting the help they need.
  • Stronger trusted messenger network: Health providers, community partners, and early learning professionals know that referring to either organization opens the door to both.
  • Better outcomes for families: By combining early learning and basic needs support, we’re closing gaps and making sure no door is the wrong door.

Together, Child Care Aware of Washington and Help Me Grow are building a stronger, more connected support system for families—one that values relationships, respects unique needs, and ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Because when we work together, we don’t just meet needs—we help families imagine and reach a brighter future.