Klickitat County Childcare Committee celebrates sixth licensed childcare business

Country Critters is now officially licensed with the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), and doors are open. Candyce Johnson operates the business from her home and received support from the KCCC project coordinator and grant writer, Johanna Roe. 

Johnson grew up in White Salmon and attended Columbia High School. She moved to California with her husband and operated a daycare for thirteen years while her children were young. After their children grew up, she and her husband moved back to White Salmon.

When their grandson Jordon was born, the couple stepped up to help and took him into their home. “Jordan was the motivation to start the daycare. I was working at the school as a cook when we took guardianship of him, and we needed daycare.” Johnson said. She said she loves working from home and wanted to be home with him, so she decided to get licensed in Washington.

Johnson was grateful to have been introduced to KCCC through another provider who introduced her to Roe. She faced challenges and received assistance from the group, which provides necessary equipment and supplies to help new providers meet licensing requirements. “I started the (licensing) process, and it took about seven months to do it all,” Johnson said. 

“Jill McNeally, one of our liaisons, was instrumental in helping Candyce,” Roe said. The team provided information and starter kit supplies, including sleeping mats, toy bins, child-sized spoons and plates, diapers, and a medicine cabinet. “We also helped with the purchase of wood chips and an outdoor play structure,” Roe added.

“Country Critters is the sixth childcare business that has completed licensing with the support of our team at KCCC. We have helped one in Bingen, one in Dallesport, one in Goldendale, two in White Salmon, and one in BZ Corner. There are now an additional 48 licensed childcare slots in Klickitat County,” Roe said, and explained that this results in full-time pre-tax earnings for 48 parents of approximately $1,661,334 calculated at 40 hours x $16.66 minimum wage x 52 weeks. 

Roe added that the impact can be even more significant. “If having childcare provides for two parents to be in the workforce, that number doubles,” Roe said. “If higher wage earners have childcare available, that number is also going to increase.

Johnson’s new business is licensed for six spots, and her grandson is currently occupying the infant slot. So she can add five other children aged one to thirteen at their location, which is just seven minutes from downtown White Salmon. She loves to bake with the children, plans to add a preschool curriculum, has a large playground, and will add a garden in the spring. The site has seven acres, and Johnson hopes to create policies for her license that will allow her to add nature trails in the future.

Country Critter is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some flexibility in hours. Parents interested in learning more can email CountryCritters2025@gmail.com or call Johnson directly at 707-357-5437.

Roe said KCCC continues its mission to support those interested in becoming professional childcare providers and to educate on the need for childcare services. “We also remain committed to helping our business community understand the critical need for childcare and how it plays a vital role in strengthening our local economy.”

She explained that understanding the need for childcare is essential for developing legislation and policies that support family-friendly workplaces. “Childcare also helps our families with health care needs,” Roe said. “Parents can go to doctor and dentist appointments and health screenings as needed instead of having to postpone or cancel due to lack of childcare.”

Angelina Heredia, a new Spanish-speaking liaison, has recently been added to the KCCC team. Roe said Heredia is bilingual, has a strong background in early childhood education, and understands the challenges and advantages of navigating multiple cultures and languages.  “Her work as the Family Coordinator with the White Salmon Valley School District has helped her make strong connections with local families,” Roe said. “She is seen as a trusted and reliable source of information and knowledge.”

Learn more about the Klickitat County Childcare Committee at www.gorgeearlylearning.com/kccc.html. The site includes helpful links and a quick resource guide for someone starting their journey to become a licensed childcare provider.