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Education and training for child care providers
Many classes and trainings offered below are free but some have costs associated with them. Check the individual websites for fees, courses offered in multiple languages, and type of training (live, virtual, or pre-recorded).
- DCYF requires licensed child care providers to complete specific trainings including certain health- and safety-related trainings before a provider can care for children and throughout their career. Some can be found through their MERIT TRAINING PORTAL.
- Best Starts for Kids offers many equity-centered workshops for King County early childhood providers. Visit the Best Starts Workshops website to browse workshop topics, register, and see which workshops offer STARS credits.
- The Snohomish County Health District offers STARS-approved trainings on a variety of health and safety topics. Any child care provider, regardless of county of residence, may receive STARS credits for these online classes. Please select SIGNUP and then "Login" anytime to take the classes.
- The Washington State Department of Health's Nourished and Active in Early Learning website offers trainings, materials, and resources on best practices in nutrition, physical activity, infant feeding, and more. All classes are free, online, and participants can earn between one and two STARS credits. Some classes are available in Spanish.
- Northwest Center Kids IMPACT offers STARS-approved online on-demand courses and live trainings for infant through pre-K educators on supporting young children with challenging behaviors and disabilities. Topics include autism, sensory strategies, inclusion in early learning, challenging behaviors, and more. For more information, visit the NW Center Kids IMPACT's course webpage.
- The University of Washington Haring Center for Inclusive Education provides early childhood education to children with and without disabilities to advance inclusive learning. Professional development opportunities for early learning educators include live and recording trainings, access to resources and guides, coaching, and other consultation. If you have questions or comments, please contact the Haring Center Professional Development and Training team at haringpd@uw.edu.
- Get your King County Food Worker Card online
This Washington state-required certification for food workers is available in an online format where you can take the course and test when it is convenient for you. In-person classes are also available.