Child Welfare Early Learning Navigator (CWELN) Program

Supporting Young Children and Families

The Child Welfare Early Learning Navigator (CWELN) program helps families with children from birth to age five who are involved with child welfare. CWELNs connect families to early learning programs and community support.

Early childhood is a very important time. When families get the right support early, children are safer, healthier, and more ready for school and life.

CWELNs work in all six DCYF regions. They partner with caseworkers and families to help young children access:

  • Licensed childcare
  • Preschool
  • Developmental screenings (like ESIT and Child Find)
  • Home visiting programs
  • Community and family support services

A Tribal CWELN also supports American Indian and Alaska Native children and families in Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

How CWELNs Help

CWELNs:

  • Connect families in child welfare to early learning programs
  • Help families find and sign up for services
  • Support complex cases with young children
  • Provide guidance on early learning and infant safety

Services depend on what is available in each community and may include:

  • Culturally responsive early learning programs
  • Support for new parents and their partners
  • Services for youth in extended foster care who are parenting
  • Developmental screenings and supports
  • Referrals to ESIT and Child Find
  • Home visiting programs
  • Early Head Start (birth–3), Head Start, and ECEAP (preschool)
  • Tribal services and supports
  • Library programs and Play & Learn groups
  • Crisis Nursery

Tribal CWELN

The Tribal CWELN is part of DCYF’s Office of Tribal Relations. This role provides support across the state and focuses on Tribal families with children ages 0–5.

They help with:

  • Culturally responsive services
  • Guidance on ICWA and WICWA
  • Active efforts to support and keep families together

Why Early Childhood Matters

Prevention

Strong early learning support can help prevent future involvement with child welfare. Research shows that children in high-quality early learning programs are less likely to experience abuse or neglect or enter the child welfare system.

Young children need at least one safe, caring adult. Many early learning programs support both the child and the family. These programs help meet basic needs, support development, and prepare children for kindergarten.

They also help parents:

  • Understand how children grow and develop
  • Set realistic expectations
  • Build strong relationships with their children
  • Respond to behavior in healthy ways

When families feel supported, children are safer over time.

Safety

Safety is the foundation of child welfare. For young children, safety means both physical care and strong, caring relationships with trusted adults.

In 2024:

  • Nearly half of DCYF intakes involved a child under age six
  • There were 40 serious safety events involving children age three and younger

Early learning providers are important partners in safety planning. They help support healthy relationships, parenting skills, and child development.

Developmental Milestones

Early childhood is a key time for brain development. About 80% of brain growth happens by age 3, and 90% by age 5.

Milestones are general skills that most children can do by a certain age. Every child develops at their own pace. If there are concerns, families can talk to a provider and request a referral to ESIT or Child Find.

3–6 Months

Often:

  • Rolls over
  • Smiles at familiar people
  • Reaches for objects
  • Makes sounds

Concerns:

  • No eye contact
  • Does not smile or respond to people
6–12 Months

Often:

  • Sits or pulls up to stand
  • Responds to name
  • Plays simple games
  • Copies sounds

Concerns:

  • Does not respond to name
  • Does not turn toward sounds
  • Cannot sit without support
1–2 Years

Often:

  • Walks
  • Uses words and short phrases
  • Follows simple directions

Concerns:

  • Not walking
  • Very limited speech
  • Little interaction with caregivers
2–3 Years

Often:

  • Uses short sentences
  • Jumps and climbs
  • Names familiar objects

Concerns:

  • Trouble following directions
  • Limited speech
  • Withdrawn or often sick
3–5 Years

Often:

  • Takes turns
  • Names colors
  • Asks questions
  • Runs and climbs

Concerns:

  • Asked to leave childcare often due to behavior
  • Delays in speech or movement
  • Limited interaction with other children

Child Care Support: Child Welfare Continuing Child Care (CWCCC)

Families with a recently closed child welfare cases may qualify for 12 months of free childcare through Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).

For the first 12 months:

  • No copay
  • No income or work requirements

To qualify:

  • The child must live with a parent or guardian
  • Childcare must have been part of the case plan
  • The family must apply within 6 months of case closure

After 12 months, families must meet regular WCCC rules.

CWELNs can help families apply, find childcare, and stay connected to support.

Referral Process

  1. Identify: Navigator reviews reports, intakes and case notes and engages caseworkers to discuss early learning needs.
  2. Assess: Navigator reaches out to the family or provides information for the caseworker to share with the family.
  3. Match: Family shares which services they are interested in.
  4. Handoff: Navigator helps family contact/notifies agency; helps family complete enrollment.
  5. Enroll: Agency reaches out to family to complete enrollment.
  6. Follow Up: Navigator contacts providers to make sure interested families begin services.