Klickitat County sees new licensed childcare options

According to Johanna Roe, project coordinator and grant writer, help has come in a variety of ways. The primary effort has been connecting applicants with licensing agencies in Washington State to ensure they meet all requirements. Roe and two KCCC liaisons support applicants as they walk through the checklists for a successful application by linking them with help from groups such as Child Care Aware and Support for Early Learning and Families. 

Washington State Department of Commerce has also been instrumental through its state-wide Child Care Partnership Grants. These grants prioritize inclusive and creative solutions to expand childcare access to underserved, rural, and historically marginalized communities.

Other support has come from offering free kits with essential supplies such as diapers, wipes, bottle warmers, child-safe silverware, plates, and bowls. Childcare equipment like sleeping mats, activity tables, child-sized toilet seats, and high chairs are also available for those seeking their license. 

Melissa Enyeart, owner/operator of Creative Play in Goldendale, said there are a lot of hurdles to getting licensed, and several people she knows gave up on the process. “At one point, I was going to drop the idea as well because I needed a better fence, and the cost was out of my reach,” Enyeart said. She credits KCCC, through Roe, with helping her build one that met licensing requirements using grant funds awarded from the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH).

“KCCC was absolutely crucial to my success in getting my license,” Enyeart said. “I am not going to say the process is easy, as it’s not.” She explained that it is time-consuming, but having her liaison, Jill McNealy, available kept her motivated to open her own business, which serves children from birth to 12 years old. She added, “Johanna and Jill are both kind and supportive in the process, and I am very thankful that this program exists.”

Ester Solorio is a new liaison supporting Spanish-speaking applicants. She grew up in the Gorge as a member of the Hispanic community and knows firsthand the importance of having childcare opportunities for this predominantly working-class population. She said when she was young, there were no options for her family. “A lot of the time, we would end up tagging along because we didn’t have anywhere to go,” Solorio said.

Together, the team provides outreach throughout Klickitat County.  Solorio hopes to do even more outreach in rural communities like Roosevelt to bring awareness to becoming a licensed childcare provider and how KCCC supports those who go through the process to make it easier and more cost-effective. 

“It makes a stronger, more connected community,” Solorio said. “It’s an incredible commitment, and providers don’t make a lot. It’s a huge responsibility that needs a lot of support. That’s why I’m here.”

Sharon Mason isn’t letting the challenges stop her application progress for Daisy Daycare in BZ Corner, which will serve children from birth to 12 years old. “Johanna has provided me with not only financial assistance but also insightful resources and advice tailored to my needs,” she said. “I am excited to create a space that promotes learning, creativity, and play, and I couldn’t have reached this point without the incredible support of Johanna and KCCC. Thanks to their encouragement, I am confident that my daycare will be a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.”

Mason hopes to have Daisy Daycare opened by the end of December. She found it was more expensive to set up than initially planned, which added pressure to the process. KCCC provided a free kit with supplies tailored to her needs. 

For anyone interested in starting their own licensed childcare business, Mason said, “My advice would be to have patience. It has been a long process, but in the end, I know it will be worth it. Reach out to all of the different entities that are suggested. They are there for a reason and have all been so helpful and encouraging.” 

Learn more about the Klickitat County Childcare Committee at http://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. For questions, email kccc@wagap.org. To connect directly with Ester Solorio, the Spanish-speaking childcare liaison, email ester.solorio77@gmail.com or call 541-380-0080. To reach Jill McNealy directly, email klickitat4kids@gmail.com. 

•••

Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.