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Child Care Stress Starts Early 

Imagine you’ve just found out you’re expecting a baby.
Joy rises quickly — and so does something else: the pressure to find child care you can afford and trust. 

You start researching before the first trimester is even over, because everyone tells you the same thing: “Start now. Spots fill fast.” 

You make lists, bookmark websites, and ask friends for advice. And beneath all of this planning, a quiet worry grows: How will we make this work? 

For families across Washington, child care is just one piece of a larger financial puzzle. Food and housing costs are rising. And when federal shutdowns pause or threaten essential benefits — like SNAP — the foundation families rely on becomes even more fragile. 

A Bridge Between Two Trusted Systems  

That’s why Help Me Grow Washington and Child Care Aware of Washington created a bi-directional referral partnership — a powerful bridge between two statewide systems families trust. 

This collaboration ensures: 

• If a parent calls Child Care Aware for affordable care, but also needs food benefits, developmental screening, or housing support, they’re connected directly to Help Me Grow. 

• If a parent starts with Help Me Grow but needs stable, high-quality child care to keep working or stay in school, they’re connected to Child Care Aware. 

One call. One story. Seamless Support.  

What Families + Navigators Are Telling Us 

The new Phase 2 evaluation of this partnership shows just how much this kind of connection matters. 

Here’s what we heard from families and staff: 

• The pathway is working exactly as intended.
  Teams across both organizations describe it as smooth, collaborative, and effective — a model others can learn from. 
• Families are getting more of what they need.
  Referrals uncover needs parents might not know they can ask about — like developmental supports, nutrition resources, transportation, or help applying for health insurance. 
• More families are being supported.
  The partnership is on track to connect more than double the number of families reached last year. 
• Referrals are clearer and faster.
  With an electronic system in place, parents experience less confusion, fewer delays, and a more personal, coordinated process. 

Why It Matters in Washington Right Now 

Child care costs rival mortgage payments.
Groceries take a bigger bite out of every paycheck.
Housing instability continues to rise. 

When everything is expensive, confusing, or uncertain, connection becomes essential. 

The bi-directional referral system proves that when trusted partners work together, families get the timely, comprehensive support they need to thrive. This is the kind of connection every family deserves. 

You can help us build and sustain these vital bridges. 

💜Offer hope to a Washington family today. Donate now!