Provider Participation

Joining Early Achievers

There has never been a better time to be a licensed child care provider in Washington state. Early Achievers offers no-cost supports and resources to help providers and educators support children’s learning and growth. These supports help children gain skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

The supports you can receive depend on your program type. They may include:

  • Coaching services
  • Training
  • Customized technical assistance
  • Scholarships
  • Grants
  • Tiered subsidy reimbursement
  • Quality improvement awards
  • Help with marketing and promotion
     

For details, visit the Supports & Resources webpage.

How do I become an Early Achievers participant?

Providers complete an online registration in MERIT to enroll. Find more information on the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage.

What timelines do Early Achievers participants follow?

Providers who receive state subsidy payments must follow timelines set by law. Providers must enroll in Early Achievers within 30 days of getting their first subsidy payment. Providers who accept state subsidy must finalize at a Level 3 or higher within 30 months of enrolling. 

ECEAP Participants

Early learning programs that offer ECEAP services must enroll within 30 days of starting services. These programs must finalize at a Quality Level 4 or higher within 24 months of starting services.   

Coaching

Most coaching is provided through Child Care Aware of Washington (CCA of WA) regional agencies. Coaching is provided at no cost and helps you understand the quality recognition components. Programs may also receive coaching through their grantee or contractor if 75% or more of their slots are dedicated to Head Start or ECEAP services. 

Early Achievers Quality Recognition Cycle chart

This graphic shows the steps in the Early Achievers Quality Recognition Cycle. The cycle starts when you submit a Request for Quality Recognition in MERIT. The steps include setting up your program profile, sharing short videos, reviewing records, and completing training. The process also considers any early learning accreditations your program may have. Early Achievers participants must complete the Quality Recognition Cycle every three years. Providers are encouraged to work with their Coach throughout the process.

What do the Early Achievers Quality Levels mean?

Quality Levels show a program’s commitment to continuous quality improvement in early care and education and setting clear goals. This is supported through coaching services. Your program’s Quality Level is based on the points you earn during the three-year Quality Recognition Cycle (QRC). All licensed programs start at Level 1. Programs move up to Levels 2 through 5 by earning more points during the QRC. Points are earned by submitting quality recognition items for review and feedback.

How do I finalize my level?

Once you earn the points needed for the quality level you want, you can finalize your quality level in MERIT. To be eligible to finalize a Quality Level, your early learning program must:

  • Complete the Program Profile
  • Have a non-expiring license in good standing

Some programs are eligible to Finalize a Quality Level 2 by completing the two steps above.

If you receive subsidy payments, you must reach a Quality Level 3 or higher. To do this, you must:

  • Complete at least 2 Video Highlights (2 videos per learning environment)

If you participate in ECEAP, you must reach a Quality Level of 4 or higher.