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At WithinReach, we believe every family deserves the opportunity to be healthy and thrive. As the statewide organizing entity for Help Me Grow Washington, we weave together a growing system of nonprofit organizations, Tribal nations, health and social service organizations, providers, and state agencies to offer a full spectrum of supports to all Washington families with young children. Families can connect with us directly by calling the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline, where a friendly, knowledgeable Family Resource Navigator is ready to help them understand and apply for a variety of resources across Washington state.  

For countless families, child care is the unseen backbone of their daily lives. When people talk about child care, it’s often framed as an economic necessity—a way for parents and caregivers to work, keep a roof over their family’s head, and food on the table. And that’s absolutely true, but it’s only part of the story. 

Beyond making ends meet, child care is about fostering connection and building trust, ultimately giving every child the chance to grow and thrive with the support of a community that sees them, values them, and knows what to look for as they develop. It’s the bond between child and caregiver, and the peace of mind parents feel knowing their child is in nurturing hands. 

Families often tell us that their child care provider is one of the first people—outside their immediate circle—to really know their child. They notice when they’re hitting a milestone, or when something seems just a little off—perhaps a subtle delay in speech or a new behavioral pattern. They gently flag when a screening might be helpful. They offer reassurance, guidance, and sometimes even a shoulder to lean on. 

Child care providers are often a family’s first bridge to developmental screenings, life-changing early intervention services, and other crucial resources. In many ways, they’re a part of the safety net—one woven with care, experience, and deep relationships.  

A Seamless Partnership for Families 

That is why this partnership between Help Me Grow Washington and Child Care Aware of Washington is so meaningful. Child Care Aware of Washington is our state’s most thorough and accessible source of information and support in early care and education, working with families, providers, and communities to ensure equitable access to quality learning experiences for all children from birth to 12 years. 

By joining forces, we are making it easier for families to get connected—not redirected. Whether a family calls with questions about child care, health coverage, food assistance, or developmental support, they will reach someone who can listen, guide, and link them to the full range of resources available. 

This partnership means: 

• Efficiency: Fewer handoffs and less confusion. Families get connected more quickly to the services they need—whether they start with a need for food, child care, health, or developmental support. 

• Clarity for Trusted Messengers: No more guesswork. When a family is referred to Help Me Grow or Child Care Aware, pediatricians and providers can trust that the family will be supported with a full spectrum of resources. 

• Better Outcomes for Families: This partnership helps close critical gaps by bringing early learning and basic needs supports together. It strengthens the safety net around families, especially those facing multiple barriers, and helps ensure no door is the wrong door. 

This is why we are so proud to be part of this partnership. Because we know that families shouldn’t have to chase down help—they deserve to be embraced by a system that works with them and for them. A system that sees child care not just as a service, but as a central support for whole-family wellbeing. 

This is what “no wrong door” means in action—ensuring that no matter where a family starts their search for support, they find the right path. 

Together with Child Care Aware of Washington, we’re building that system—one connection at a time, ensuring a brighter future for all Washington families.