Have you ever considered opening your own childcare business in Burien? Consider applying for the Imagine U program offered by the Imagine Institute as part of the City of Burien’s Childcare Business Development initiative.
This program aims to increase quality licensed childcare in our community. Participants will have access to mentorship, training to complete all licensing requirements, and the opportunity to build a supportive network to prepare and formalize their early-learning childcare business. Classes are offered in English, Spanish, and Somali.
At its September 22, 2022 meeting, the Burien City Council approved Economic Development initiatives totaling $1.7 million, of which $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding could be invested in childcare programs that aim to increase the number of licensed childcare businesses in Burien.
The Burien Economic Development Partnership, a City commission focused on economic development, reviewed the topic and provided feedback on the program. The Childcare Business Development Initiative aims to increase quality licensed childcare capacity so that families can access childcare that meets their needs and preferences while supporting their children’s learning, physical and mental health, and social-emotional development.
Childcare services are vital to Burien’s local economy. The coronavirus pandemic adversely affected the availability of childcare options in Burien. This program will help mitigate the loss of childcare options during the pandemic by adding new options.
The goals of this program are to:
- Help overcome barriers and challenges to opening and operating a childcare business in Burien.
- Provide a supportive ecosystem that offers professional development services to aspiring childcare business owners in the preparation and launch of their business.
- Ensure awareness and compliance with all licensing requirements to ensure continuity of care and business longevity.
If you live in Burien and wish to open a home-based childcare center, please consider applying for Imagine U. For more details and to register, please contact mentors@imaginewa.org or call (206) 492-5249.
