Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers help families by taking care of children. They can be grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings, friends, neighbors, or other trusted adults. FFN providers are important for children’s growth and learning.
FFN care is the most common type of child care for babies, toddlers, and school-age children before and after school.
To learn more, visit the FFN webpage.
Training Requirements
FFN providers must complete certain trainings if they care for children who get state subsidy. Most trainings need to be finished within 90 days after the child starts receiving the subsidy.
Required Training for Non-Relative and Cousin FFN Providers Only
| Training | HOW to Complete | How to START |
|---|---|---|
DCYF Approved Health & Safety Training
|
| If you finished Child Care Basics after October 2018 or the Initial Certificate after July 2019, you already meet this requirement. Otherwise, take it online on the DCYF Training Portal. |
DCYF Safe Sleep Training
|
| This requirement is for non-relative FFN providers caring for infants (0-12 months). Take it online on the DCYF Training Portal. |
| First Aid, Infant CPR, and Bloodborne Pathogens |
| Sign up through The Imagine Institute or find local classes at fire departments, Red Cross, etc. |
| Subsidy Billing Training |
|
Review the subsidy billing guides and resources on the Subsidy Information webpage. |
| DCYF Electronic Attendance System Training |
|
Review the subsidy billing guides, and additional resources on the Subsidy Information webpage. |
Required Training for Relative-FFN Providers Only
| Training | HOW to Complete | How to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidy Billing Training |
|
Review the subsidy billing guides and resources on the Subsidy Information webpage. |
| DCYF Electronic Attendance System Training |
|
Review the subsidy billing guides, and additional resources on the Subsidy Information webpage. |
How to Take Trainings
- Make sure you have a STARS ID
- Get one by registering at MERIT.
- Click “Sign In or Register” and fill out the required information.
- Activate your account through the email sent to you. (Check your spam folder if you don’t see it.)
- Sign in, go to the ‘Applications’ tab, and apply for your STARS ID.
- Taking Online Trainings
- Sign in at the DCYF Training Site using your STARS ID and account info.
- If you are new, click “I am a new student and need a username and password” and fill out the info.
- After registering, you will get an email with your username, password, and a link to log in.
- Forgot your username or password? Click the “forgot” link to reset it.
For help, contact the MERIT Support Team:
- Email: MERIT@dcyf.wa.gov
- Phone: 1-866-482-4325, option 5
The Imagine Institute
The Imagine Institute offers required training for FFN providers caring for children with state subsidy, including:
- Health and Safety training for non-relative providers
- Electronic Attendance System training
To learn more or register for trainings, visit The Imagine Institute website or call (206) 492-5249.
