Vashon Kids

For nearly 30 years, we’ve been part of the island village, raising and supporting children ages 5–12. Our programs provide a safe and creative place for kids to play, learn, and grow—while families find peace of mind knowing children are nurtured by caring staff. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we keep quality child care accessible to all, so every family is supported and every child has the chance to thrive.

Licensed by the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)

Support the Family Support Fund

The Family Support Fund supports scholarships for Vashon Kids child care and the much-needed Family Place Respite Child Care program, which provides free drop-in care for children 0-5. Help us reach our goal of $50,000 to support Island families!

Donate Today!

School year program

Still accepting school year sign ups!

Children ages 5-12 can all be Vashon Kids!

Register Here

Manual Español

English Handbook

School year Calendar 2025-26

Medication Authorization Form
English AND Spanish

Lifesaving Rx Forms
eg. Inhaler, Epi-Pen, Insulin

Summer Program

All-day enrichment for nine weeks of summer fun!

Reservations for our summer program are now open to new friends and families.
We have limited spaces that are filling up quickly!

Click the image to the right to see our full brochure for more information.

A note about the wait-list:

If some or all of your reservation is a wait-list position, please hang in there! We regularly fill openings from the wait-list.

Summer Handbook '25 (EN)

Manual de Verano 2025 (ES)

About

Quality child care provides opportunity and experiences to support children’s physical, intellectual, & socioemotional growth.
Steered by this knowledge since 1995, Vashon Kids cultivates nurturing staff & creative programming to help our community’s children thrive.
We strive to provide for developmental & individual needs of each child through healthy play & celebration of differences; guiding peaceful conflict resolution & promoting the dignity of all.

“Vashon Kids funding is crucial in providing low‑income families with affordable before‑ and after‑school childcare. By filling a gap in safe, unstructured play and social connection, the program reduces stress for families, supports children’s social and emotional development, and helps ensure all Vashon youth have the opportunity to thrive, strengthening the broader community.”

-Leigh Anne McKeen, Intensive Youth Crisis Therapist

Academic & club enrichment centers art, sciences, forest play, literacy, and sports. We offer scheduled & drop-in care before and after school, plus all-day summer programming. Breakfast and snacks provided.

We accept: DCYF Working Connections & King County Best Starts for Kids child care subsidies.

Gracious Island donors help us subsidize those in need.

Special thanks to the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank for providing summer lunches and for their critical work to ensure Island families have access to food all year long.

Located at Chautauqua Elementary, Vashon Kids invites all children ages 5-12.

Everyone is welcome at Vashon Kids!

"As a full time working single mother, I wouldn't be where I am in my life if it wasn't for the support of this program and the staff! I 💗 VK!"

— Vashon Kids Parent
“Vashon Kids is such a critical resource for our Island and have always been exceptional. It’s a seamless continuum of care from Chautauqua Elementary to Vashon Kids and VYFS makes Vashon Kids accessible to all income levels through scholarships – please support VYFS and Vashon Kids!”

— Connie Sorensen, Vashon Kids Parent & Advocate
“The ability to offer reduced or free child care through Vashon Kids has made a significant difference for many of my clients, helping to reduce stress for families and improve outcomes for children. This program not only supports families in need but also fosters a stronger, healthier community by ensuring that all Vashon youth have the opportunity to thrive. I urge the community to continue supporting Vashon Kids, so this vital access remains available and grows, ensuring that our youth receive the care, connection, and playtime they deserve. “
-Leigh Anne McKeen, Intensive Youth Crisis Therapist