Project Child Care
Our mission is to expand child care access on Vashon by uniting community voices, strengthening local resources, and creating sustainable solutions that support every family’s ability to thrive.
Vashon Child Care Coalition:
Addressing Vashon’s Child Care Desert
In early 2024, VYFS took a bold step to confront one of Vashon Island’s most urgent challenges: the severe shortage of child care. With support from the Department of Commerce, VYFS launched a pilot study that brought together the expertise of researchers Yve Susskind and Betsey Archambault. Their work produced a powerful needs assessment and a strategic roadmap—clear, actionable guidance for expanding child care access and strengthening the island’s future.
By July 2024, new funding made it possible to move from planning to possibility. As momentum grew, so did community commitment. A passionate group of islanders—parents, educators, and advocates—joined forces to create the Project Child Care Coalition. This dedicated team, convenes monthly to examine strategic approaches and determine their viability on the island.
Be a part of the solution - your support truly matters!
The Vashon Child Care Coalition is bringing our community together to tackle one of the island’s most pressing challenges. Through collaboration, research, and hands-on engagement, this group is building long‑term, community‑powered child care solutions that help families—and the island as a whole—thrive.
Their work expands child care capacity, strengthens local resources, and opens doors for families who need reliable, high‑quality care. Every step forward creates more stability for parents, more opportunity for children, and a stronger future for Vashon.
Supporting this effort means investing in the well‑being of our entire community. If you want to help shape a brighter, more resilient Vashon, please support this effort by joining the coalition or by making a gift to the coalition.
If you are interested in learning more, please email: vashonchildcare@gmail.com
We are proud to share the completion of our comprehensive analysis of child care solutions for Vashon Island. The report includes a deep dive into strategies to open child care programs on Vashon. This document is public and can be found printed form at the Vashon Library, VYFS main office and online.
The strategies are:
Strategy A: License four existing providers
Strategy B: Create a child care center focused primarily on toddler and infants
Strategy C: Add 10 new Friends, Family, and Neighbor (FFN) providers who meet Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 110-116 requirements
Strategy D: Create a child care scholarship fund
Strategy E: Create an online communication platform that is accessible to all islanders
Vashon Child Care Coalition
If you are interested in attending a coalition meeting,
please email: vashonchildcare@gmail.com to find out more.
Join the Child Care
Facebook Group
We created a Facebook group to build community between families and child care providers. This is a place where Vashon’s child care community can support each other in filling the child care gap on the island.
Island Preschools and Child Care Providers
Caterpillar Farm Preschool (Spanish Immersion)
Website: https://caterpillarfarmpreschool.com
Phone: 630-408-5500
Email: spanish4all@me.com
Ages: 3-6
Honeybee Playschool
Website: https://www.honeybeeplayschool.com/
Phone: 206-650-2594
Ages: 4 – 5
Kids Are People Too
Facebook: @ KidsArePeopleTooVashon
Phone: 206-459-4754
Email: danielleskaptoo@gmail.com
Ages: 13 months - 13 years
Vashon Art and Nature School
Website: https://vashonartandnature.school/
Phone: 253-381-9137
Email: krigin08@gmail.com
Ages: 2 – 6
Vashon Maury Cooperative Preschool
Website: http://www.vmcp.org/
Email: info@vmcp.org
Ages: 6 months – 5 years
Chautauqua Early Childhood Preschool
Website: https://www.vashonsd.org/Page/603
Phone: 206-463-8647
Email: areissiger@vashonsd.org
Ages: 3-5, must turn 3 by Aug 31st
Huckleberry Kids Playschool
Website: https://huckleberrynatureconnection.org/
Phone: 559-303-3011
Email: aly@huckleberry.earth
Ages: 2.5 - 8
Klahanie Nursery School
Website: http://www.klahanieschool.org/
Phone: 206-491-9465
Email: klahanieschool@gmail.com
Ages: 2.5 – 5
Vashon Green School
Website: http://vashongreenschool.org/about
Facebook & Instagram: @vashongreenschool
Phone: 206-466-7398
Email: vashongreenschool@gmail.com
Ages: 5 – 12
Vashon Explorers Preschool
Facebook: @VashonExplorersPreschool
Phone: 206-463-9797
Email: vashonexplorerspreschool@gmail.com
Ages: 2 - 6
Vashon Wilderness Program
Website: http://www.vashonwildernessprogram.org/
Phone: 206-651-5715
Email: info@vashonwildernessprogram.org
Ages: 4 - 15
ECEAP Preschool Program at Chautauqua Elementary
Website: www.vashonsd.org/page/604
Phone: 206-384-5188
Email: klogar@vashonsd.org
Ages: 3-5, must turn 3 by Aug 31st
Island Outdoor School
Phone: 206-852-8807
Email: islandoutdoorschool@gmail.com
Ages : 2.5 - 7
Starbreak Preschool
Website: http://starbreak.org/
Phone: 206-463-6277
Email: starbreak@centurytel.net
Ages: 3 - 6
Vashon Kids
Website: http://vyfs.org/vashon-kids/
Phone: 206-930-2592
Ages: 5 - 12