Support for Providers Serving Immigrant Families

by Rosie Alfaro-Toledo

Child Care Aware of Washington Statement of Support

Child Care Aware of Washington recognizes and deeply values the essential role that early learning providers play in ensuring all children—regardless of their background or immigration status—have access to high-quality, racially equitable care and education. Washington’s child care system is strengthened by its diversity: about 20% of child care providers in our state are immigrants, and about 25% of children have at least one immigrant parent.

During this period of uncertainty, CCA of WA stands firmly in solidarity with providers and families who may be directly or indirectly impacted by immigration-related actions. We remain committed to minimizing disruptions in child care and ensuring continuity of care for children across Washington.

For more than 30 years, we have proudly provided coaching, professional development, referral services, and subsidy application assistance statewide. We consider it a privilege to work alongside the diverse communities we serve, and we will continue to deliver supportive services regardless of changes at the federal or state level.

Statewide + Regional Support Efforts

Across the state, our six regional partners are actively supporting providers who serve immigrant families. Their efforts include curating local resources, sharing legal and mental health supports, and providing direct coaching to help providers navigate emerging challenges.

Statewide Efforts

  • Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) consultants have developed a statewide Google Drive with mental health resources to support children and families experiencing fear, stress, or trauma related to immigration enforcement. Coaches have access to these materials for immediate use.
  • Regional partners have created a shared Google Drive of vetted legal and “Know Your Rights” resources, emergency planning templates, communication protocols, and sample policies for programs seeking guidance. These materials ensure consistent, high-quality information for providers who request support. 

Examples of Regional Actions

  • Distributed local immigration legal aid referrals and red “Know Your Rights” cards to providers who request them. 
  • Provided documents to help providers understand what to do during an enforcement situation and what paperwork families may need. 
  • Shared CCA of WA mental health support and walked programs through safety planning steps such as clarifying private vs. public program areas, front-desk scripts, and protocols for requesting warrants. 
  • Regions are also gathering anecdotal stories that highlight the real-life impacts on children, staff, and families—for example, families withdrawing from care, reductions in attendance at Play & Learn groups, and providers experiencing trauma and fear while trying to maintain program stability. 

These powerful stories guide our statewide response, highlight the urgency of this moment, and help us shape resources that truly meet community needs.

Our Commitment to Resource Sharing

CCA of WA is actively coordinating with regions to compile, vet, and distribute resources to ensure providers receive consistent, accurate guidance. This includes:

  • Legal rights and Know Your Rights resources
  • Emergency planning tools for child care settings
  • Mental health supports for children, families, and staff
  • Communication templates and safety protocols
  • Culturally responsive referral pathways

In many cases, support will include connecting providers to specialized organizations that can offer deeper legal or immigration-related expertise. Our goal is to ensure that no provider feels they are handling this alone.

Reliable State Resources

Information is moving fast, and not all of it is accurate. We encourage providers to use verified state resources, including:

Resources for Families Impacted by Immigration-Related Concerns

https://dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/PA_0018.pdf

Family Separation Rapid Response Team  

https://dcyf.wa.gov/FamilySeparationRapidResponseTeam

Legal Rights & “Know Your Rights” (Providers & Families)

Washington Immigrant Support Resources (WA Governor’s Office)

This is the one your CEO referenced — a strong, official source.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/immigration-resources

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) – Know Your Rights

Washington’s main nonprofit providing immigration legal services.
https://www.nwirp.org/resources/know-your-rights/

ACLU of Washington – Know Your Rights

Clear, multilingual guidance for people in WA.
https://www.aclu-wa.org/know-your-rights

WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)

Includes rapid-response hotlines and community safety networks.
https://www.waisn.org/resources

CCA of WA Family Center
For confidential help navigating child care options and subsidy-related questions:
1-800-446-1114

To Providers: You Are Not Alone

We are here to listen, support, and walk alongside you as you care for children and families during an especially challenging time. We urge providers to use caution when responding to any inquiries related to immigration status—whether their own or that of the families they serve—and to reach out to their regional coaches or the Family Center for guidance.

We will continue to monitor the situation, learn from what regions are seeing, and adapt our support accordingly.

No child should ever be denied care or learning opportunities because of their immigration status.
Our commitment is to provide continuity, confidentiality, and unwavering support so children can continue to thrive in safe and nurturing environments across Washington.