Stronger programs start with supported educators.
Tools and training for licensed child care providers and early educators.
How We Can Help
Coaching for Continuous Improvement
Supporting early learning providers with coaching and guidance to strengthen program quality.
Professional Development
Offering accessible, high-quality training for early learning professionals at all experience levels.
Mental Health In the Classroom
Working alongside educators in the classroom to support social-emotional development.
ECEAP Subcontracting
Partnering with licensed child care providers to subcontract ECEAP slots.
A Partner in Your Professional Growth
Early learning professionals do more than provide care. You build foundations for lifelong learning. CME’s Early Learning team supports educators across Eastern Washington with coaching, training, and consultation designed to strengthen both classroom quality and provider confidence.
Whether you are working toward a higher Early Achievers rating, seeking continuing education, or navigating complex classroom dynamics, we are here to support you.
Early Achievers Coaching
Coaching for Continuous Improvement
If you have ever wished for a second set of experienced eyes in your classroom, Early Achievers Coaching may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Our Early Achievers coaches work one-on-one with licensed providers to help strengthen classroom quality, learning environments, family engagement, and program systems. Whether you are new to Early Achievers or working toward advancing your rating, our goal is to help you build a strong, sustainable program that supports children, families, and staff.
Want to know more about Early Achievers?
Understand quality standards and what they mean in practice
Improve classroom layout and instructional strategies
Strengthen documentation and program organization
Prepare for quality rating assessments
Build systems that support long-term sustainability
Cost-effective & eligible for Merit reimbursement
Many of our trainings qualify for Merit reimbursement, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for individual educators and programs. We are intentional about offering affordable options whenever possible so that cost is not a barrier to ongoing professional growth.
In-person & virtual formats
Trainings are offered in both in-person and virtual formats to accommodate different schedules, staffing realities, and geographic locations. Whether you prefer in-person discussion or need the flexibility of virtual participation, options are available.
Customized trainings for teams
If your program is working toward a shared goal, we can design training tailored to your team’s specific needs. Customized sessions allow staff to build a common understanding, align classroom practices, and apply strategies consistently across your program.
Relevant, Practice-Based Topics
Training topics reflect the challenges you navigate every day. Courses may explore topics like child development, trauma-informed practice, inclusion strategies, classroom management systems, and strengthening social-emotional support within the early learning settings.
Professional Development Academy
Professional Development That Works
You complete trainings for a reason. Sometimes it is to meet STARS requirements. Sometimes it is because something in your classroom is not working the way you want it to. Sometimes it is because you want your staff to grow together. Through Child Ccare Aware of WA’s Professional Development Academy, CME offers state-approved trainings meant specifically for licensed child care providers and early learning educators, and are built around the challenges educators face daily
Ready to take your career to the next level?
Click here to see upcoming trainings, or send us an email to learn more about how our trainings can help your programs!
Policies for Classes & Trainings
CME is committed to providing you with the highest possible standard of service. The following policies were designed to assist you in making informed decisions when using our site, products, and services.
Questions? Call (509) 666-2056, or email ProfessionalDevelopment@Community-minded.org
Payment
Please pay for your class in advance; our instructors do not accept payments at class. This policy helps us decide whether we have enough participants to hold the class as planned. (Classes are usually cancelled if at least five people have not registered and paid.)
Late Arrival
Prompt arrival to class is expected to minimize disruptions and uphold the integrity of the training session. Please be advised that in adherence to ethical guidelines regarding STARS credit eligibility, participants arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be eligible to receive credit for the class.
No Minors Policy
Our classes are tailored to adult learners; therefore, we request that children not attend in-person sessions. This policy aims to enhance the learning environment for all participants by minimizing distractions. Acceptions can be made on a case-by-base basis.
Class Cancellation & Office Closure
In the event of class cancellations, all registered participants will receive timely communication via phone or email.
Accommodation Requests
For any accommodation needs during training sessions, please reach out to our Professional Development Department at professionaldevelopment@community-minded.org or call 509-666-2056. Please provide a minimum of two weeks’ notice to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
Refunds
Cancellation of registrations or requests for participant substitutions can be facilitated by contacting our Professional Development line at 509-474-1836. Please note that refunds are not provided for cancellations. In the event of a class cancellation by CCA of Eastern WA or a rescheduling that conflicts with a participant’s availability, options for a refund or a coupon for future training sessions (within the fiscal year) equivalent to the amount paid for the cancelled training will be offered.
Participants who fail to attend a scheduled class are not eligible for refunds.
If a training session is cancelled due to low enrollment, inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances such as trainer illness or emergencies, registered participants will be provided with the option of a refund or a coupon for future training sessions within the fiscal year, equal to the amount paid for the cancelled training.
Electronic Attendance System
As of July 1, 2018, all providers accepting Working Connections Child Care subsidies are required to track attendance using an electronic attendance system. This applies to child care centers, family home child care providers, and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers.
Training on DCYF’s electronic attendance system is available online in English, Spanish, and Somali. To access the online training, start here.
CCAWA Professional Development Academy
Professional Development That Works
You complete trainings for a reason. Sometimes it is to meet STARS requirements. Sometimes it is because something in your classroom is not working the way you want it to. Sometimes it is because you want your staff to grow together. Through CCAWA’s Professional Development Academy, CME offers state-approved trainings meant specifically for licensed child care providers and early learning educators, and are built around the challenges educators face daily
Ready to take your career to the next level?
Click here to see upcoming trainings, or send us an email to learn more about how our trainings can help your programs!
Cost-effective & eligible for Merit reimbursement
Many of our trainings qualify for Merit reimbursement, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for individual educators and programs. We are intentional about offering affordable options whenever possible so that cost is not a barrier to ongoing professional growth.
In-person & virtual formats
Trainings are offered in both in-person and virtual formats to accommodate different schedules, staffing realities, and geographic locations. Whether you prefer in-person discussion or need the flexibility of virtual participation, options are available.
Customized trainings for teams
If your program is working toward a shared goal, we can design training tailored to your team’s specific needs. Customized sessions allow staff to build a common understanding, align classroom practices, and apply strategies consistently across your program.
Relevant, Practice-Based Topics
Training topics reflect the challenges you navigate every day. Courses may explore topics like child development, trauma-informed practice, inclusion strategies, classroom management systems, and strengthening social-emotional support within the early learning settings.
Policies for Classes & Trainings
CME is committed to providing you with the highest possible standard of service. The following policies were designed to assist you in making informed decisions when using our site, products, and services.
Questions? Call (509) 666-2056, or email ProfessionalDevelopment@Community-minded.org
Payment
Please pay for your class in advance; our instructors do not accept payments at class. This policy helps us decide whether we have enough participants to hold the class as planned. (Classes are usually cancelled if at least five people have not registered and paid.)
Late Arrival
Prompt arrival to class is expected to minimize disruptions and uphold the integrity of the training session. Please be advised that in adherence to ethical guidelines regarding STARS credit eligibility, participants arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be eligible to receive credit for the class.
No Minors Policy
Our classes are tailored to adult learners; therefore, we request that children not attend in-person sessions. This policy aims to enhance the learning environment for all participants by minimizing distractions. Acceptions can be made on a case-by-base basis.
Class Cancellation & Office Closure
In the event of class cancellations, all registered participants will receive timely communication via phone or email.
Accommodation Requests
For any accommodation needs during training sessions, please reach out to our Professional Development Department at professionaldevelopment@community-minded.org or call 509-666-2056. Please provide a minimum of two weeks’ notice to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
Refunds
Cancellation of registrations or requests for participant substitutions can be facilitated by contacting our Professional Development line at 509-474-1836. Please note that refunds are not provided for cancellations. In the event of a class cancellation by CCA of Eastern WA or a rescheduling that conflicts with a participant’s availability, options for a refund or a coupon for future training sessions (within the fiscal year) equivalent to the amount paid for the cancelled training will be offered.
Participants who fail to attend a scheduled class are not eligible for refunds.
If a training session is cancelled due to low enrollment, inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances such as trainer illness or emergencies, registered participants will be provided with the option of a refund or a coupon for future training sessions within the fiscal year, equal to the amount paid for the cancelled training.
Electronic Attendance System
As of July 1, 2018, all providers accepting Working Connections Child Care subsidies are required to track attendance using an electronic attendance system. This applies to child care centers, family home child care providers, and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers.
Training on DCYF’s electronic attendance system is available online in English, Spanish, and Somali. To access the online training, start here.
Social-Emotional Support for Your Classroom
Mental Health Consultation
Children’s social and emotional development plays a central role in how your classroom functions. Some behaviors are typical and expected, while others can feel persistent, unpredictable, or hard to address with the strategies you already know. When that happens, it can affect relationships, routines, and the overall learning environment.
When those moments begin to affect the rhythm of your classroom, an early childhood mental health consultant can partner with you to better understand what you’re seeing and develop practical strategies that fit your classroom.
How to Get Support
Mental health consultation is offered in partnership with Early Achievers.
If you are already connected to an Early Achievers coach, they can help initiate consultation support. If you are not currently participating in Early Achievers, start by connecting with our coaching team to learn about enrollment and available supports.
Who May Be Eligible
Licensed child care providers operating preschool-aged classrooms may be eligible to subcontract ECEAP slots depending on capacity, licensing status, and ability to meet program requirements.
Subcontracting requires adherence to ECEAP standards, participation in oversight processes, and alignment with enrollment and eligibility guidelines.
What Subcontracting Means
Subcontracting allows your licensed program to offer ECEAP preschool slots as part of your existing classroom structure.
As a subcontracted provider, you:
- Serve ECEAP-eligible children within your licensed setting
- Align with ECEAP performance standards and documentation requirements
- Participate in monitoring and reporting processes
- Collaborate with CME as the contracted lead agency
- CME provides oversight, technical assistance, and coordination with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
How We Work With You
Subcontracted providers receive ongoing support to meet program expectations and maintain compliance.
This may include:
- Guidance on ECEAP performance standards
- Assistance with required documentation and reporting
- Alignment with child outcomes and assessment expectations
- Access to coaching and professional development
- Collaboration on family engagement requirements
Expand Preschool Access Within Your Program
ECEAP Subcontracting
ECEAP, Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, provides publicly funded preschool for income-eligible families. CME partners with licensed child care providers to subcontract ECEAP slots, allowing preschool services to be delivered within community-based programs while maintaining state standards and oversight.
Exploring Partnership
If you are interested in learning whether subcontracting may be a fit for your program, our early learning team can provide additional information about eligibility, expectations, and next steps.
Expand Preschool Access Within Your Program
ECEAP Subcontracting
ECEAP, Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, provides publicly funded preschool for income-eligible families. CME partners with licensed child care providers to subcontract ECEAP slots, allowing preschool services to be delivered within community-based programs while maintaining state standards and oversight.
Exploring Partnership
If you are interested in learning whether subcontracting may be a fit for your program, our early learning team can provide additional information about eligibility, expectations, and next steps.
Who May Be Eligible
Licensed child care providers operating preschool-aged classrooms may be eligible to subcontract ECEAP slots depending on capacity, licensing status, and ability to meet program requirements.
Subcontracting requires adherence to ECEAP standards, participation in oversight processes, and alignment with enrollment and eligibility guidelines.
What Subcontracting Means
Subcontracting allows your licensed program to offer ECEAP preschool slots as part of your existing classroom structure.
As a subcontracted provider, you:
- Serve ECEAP-eligible children within your licensed setting
- Align with ECEAP performance standards and documentation requirements
- Participate in monitoring and reporting processes
- Collaborate with CME as the contracted lead agency
- CME provides oversight, technical assistance, and coordination with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
How We Work With You
Subcontracted providers receive ongoing support to meet program expectations and maintain compliance.
This may include:
- Guidance on ECEAP performance standards
- Assistance with required documentation and reporting
- Alignment with child outcomes and assessment expectations
- Access to coaching and professional development
- Collaboration on family engagement requirements