About Us
Our Mission
Advocate to ensure the provision of safe, quality child care, while providing networking and support for parents with children in a variety of child care environments. The child is our client.
Who Are We?
Parents for Safe Child Care was formed in 1992 to respond to the need to address the safety and health gaps that systemically plague our child care system. This grassroots organization is committed to increasing the supply of safe, affordable care in Washington State as well as nationally.
Because parents are the ultimate consumers of child care, we realized an independent grass-roots parental advocacy and resource group was needed to become involved from the on-set in private-public and governmental partnerships that serve our children.
Parents for Safe Child Care is a parent-led and parent-run non-profit committed to strengthening the capacity of parents to effectively advocate for their children. A parental advocacy group offers a perceptive on how a system works or does not work for families.
Parents for Safe Child Care offers a perspective that can guide and point to a view of gains unseen by other stakeholders.
Parents for Safe Child Care is based on a vision that establishing parental input, leadership and mutual support are essential components in strengthening families and preventing abuse and neglect We have conducted educational seminars at the local public libraries and local corporations such as Microsoft, Boeing and leading children non-profits to educate consumers and develop effective collaborative relationships. Our seminars on how to choose quality care and become our children's best advocate have enjoyed a partnership with other stakeholders such as the Department of Health, Department of Ecology, Resource and Referral, local college educators of Early Childhood Development as well as leading consultant, Tom Adler. Some of these educational presentations have been proudly co-sponsored with Microsoft.
Some parents have witnessed and been exposed to the obscene consequences of a system that can fail our children. Their voice is a constant reminder we need to do better.
In Washington State because DSHS/Department of Early Learning (DEL) administers the contracts and grants to non-profits as well as being charged with licensing oversight and enforcement, parents have more 'flexibility' in what they say, and frequently have more credibility because they are consumers of child care services. While other children-friendly non-profits in this state understand 'you don't bite the hand that feeds you', we accept no funding from state agencies to avoid this conflict of interest and ensure a bold uncensored voice.
So many issues affect the children in child care today. They require not only enthusiasm and commitment but a clearer understanding of our consumer/advocacy roles and the system. Parents are empowered by the knowledge of quality benchmarks, enabling them to serve as effective advocates on behalf of our children.
We offer parents an opportunity to network with other families, providers and experts to effect meaningful change.
We have created a valued, productive resource to guide consumers and policy-makers toward bringing accountability in promoting quality to the child care system.
Board Members
One of the 12 founding members in 1992. Works with legislators, media, and fellow advocates on emerging health and safety issues.
Educator, Early Care and Education
Validator, N.A.E.Y.C.
Advisor, Field Advisor CDA
Former:
- Research Assistant, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
- Head Start Trainer
- Past President Tacoma A.E.Y.C.
The consummate advocate. Member since 1995. Active in lobbying with fellow Microsoft parents for quality reform.
Member since 1993. Leadership role in research and organizing testimony for legislative hearings.
I became a childcare advocate after my baby, Jesse, was killed in a licensed home daycare facility with numerous and serious complaints. Searching for answers as to how so many violations could occur in a regulated industry, I became aware of the many deficiencies and dangers the childcare system represents. In the search to find an agency that would assist in addressing these issues, I was fortunate to have found Stu Jacobson and Washington Parents for Safe Daycare. The messages they relayed about the dangers in the system were parallel to the horror and grief we experienced with the loss of our baby. The message has stayed constant and true. It has been through this organization that we have found the opportunity to address the deficiencies in the childcare system that directly contribute to abuse and death suffered in licensed care. Washington Parents and the goals that are represented by this group are geared to address the challenges in today's childcare system as well as improve the safety and well-being of those who rely on licensed childcare. Not only for my son, but also for the future of all our children, I am proud to serve on the board.