Before You Take Training
- Make sure you have a STARS ID
- If you don’t, create one when you register your account in MERIT.
- Get a STARS ID.
- Update your employment records
- Keep your employment records up to date in MERIT.
- Include your current job roles.
- End date any job record for positions you no longer hold.
Training Options
Electronic Attendance System Training
- Start your training online
- Licensed providers: You probably have a DCYF Training account if you completed the required safe sleep training.
- To create a DCYF Training account:
- Click “I am a new student and need a username and password.”
- Use your email address and your STARS ID.
- DCYF Online Training Site Resources:
- Visit MERIT if you need help:
- Creating a DCYF Training Account
- Changing your job role or program type in the DCYF training site
- Troubleshoot login issues
- Visit MERIT if you need help:
- Attend sessions with a live instructor.
- Available virtually online or in a classroom.
- Register on the The Imagine Institute website.
Learn at your own pace with a workbook.
- Request a workbook by filling out the Workbook Request form.
- OR email: ta@imaginewa.gov
- OR call the Imagine Institute at (206) 492-5249
To submit completed materials:
- Email TA@imaginewa.gov
- OR mail them to:
The Imagine Institute
16000 Christensen Rd., Ste. 201
Tukwila, WA 98188
KinderConnect Resources
KinderConnect is an online program that helps child care providers keep track of attendance. They can view, edit, and submit attendance records to state agencies. KinderConnect works best on a laptop or desktop computer.
Find step-by-step instruction and video resources below to help you use the system.
- User Login: English | Spanish | Somali
- Add Operator Account: English | Spanish | Somali
- Child Search: English | Spanish | Somali
- Printing Provider Mobile Sign-In Sheet: English | Spanish | Somali
- Printing Sponsor Registration Form for KinderSmart: English | Spanish | Somali
- Submit Attendance: English | Spanish | Somali
- Correct Incomplete Attendance: English | Spanish | Somali
KinderSign Resources
KinderSign is a free app for parents or people who are allowed to sign children in and out of care on the child care provider's tablet or iPad. KinderSign replaces paper sign-in sheets. Information entered into KinderSign will upload to the provider’s KinderConnect account.
Find step-by-step instruction and video resources below to help parents or people who are allowed to pick up children use the system.
- Provider Device Registration: English | Spanish | Somali
- Provider Login: English | Spanish | Somali
- Create Sponsor Pin and Secret Question: English | Spanish | Somali
- Checking Children In and Out: English | Spanish | Somali
- Provider Records and Absence: English | Spanish | Somali
- Messages: English | Spanish | Somali
KinderSmart Resources
KinderSmart is a free app for the parent or person allowed to sign children in and out of care with their smartphone. It replaces paper sign-in sheets. Information entered into KinderSmart will upload to the provider’s KinderConnect account.
Find step-by-step instruction and video resources below to help parents or people who are allowed to pick up children use the system.
Technical Assistance Visit
Technical Assistance is available:
- In Person
- Virtual Meeting
- Video-call Meeting
- Phone Meeting
To request Technical Assistance, fill out the EAS Technical Assistance Request form or call The Imagine Institute at (206) 492-5249.
For Technical Assistance, please email electronic.attendance@dcyf.wa.gov.
