Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers help families by taking care of their children. They can be trusted adults such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, elders, older siblings, friends, neighbors, or others. FFN providers are important for children’s growth and learning.
FFN care is the most common type of child care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children. FFN providers play an important role in keeping children safe, supporting their growth in a familiar, trusted environment. They provide families with flexible child care and help meet the unique needs of each child.
To learn more, visit the FFN webpage.
Training Requirements
FFN providers must complete specific trainings if they care for children who are approved for state child care subsidy. Most trainings must be completed within 90 days of the first subsidy payment.
Required Training for Non-Relative and Cousin FFN Providers Only
| Training | HOW to Complete | How to START |
|---|---|---|
Friend/Neighbor Health and Safety Training
|
| You meet this requirement if you completed Child Care Basics after October 2018 or earned your Initial Certificate after July 2019. If not, complete the training online through the DCYF Training Portal. |
DCYF Safe Sleep Training
|
| Non-relative and cousin FFN providers must complete this training if they care for children under 12 months old.[AD4.1][CC4.2] Take the training online through the DCYF Training Portal. |
| Infant/Child (Pediatric) and Adult CPR and First Aid |
| Register for a class through The Imagine Institute or find a local class through your fire department, the American Red Cross, or another approved training provider. |
| Subsidy Billing Training |
|
Review the subsidy billing guides and other resources available on the Subsidy Information webpage. |
| DCYF Electronic Attendance System Training |
|
Review the subsidy billing guides and other 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 other resources available on the Subsidy Information webpage. |
| DCYF Electronic Attendance System Training |
|
Review the subsidy billing guides and other resources on the Subsidy Information webpage. |
How to Complete Required Trainings
Follow these steps to complete the FFN approval process and access required trainings.
Step 1: Obtain WA Compass Access
- Create a profile and register in WA Compass.
- Wait for approval from the License Exempt Services (LES) team.
Step 2: Obtain a STARS ID Number
- Create a MERIT account and obtain your STARS ID.
Step 3: Access Required Trainings
- After completing your Portable Background Check, follow the training instructions provided by License Exempt Specialist (LES) to access and complete the required trainings.
- For online trainings, visit the DCYF Training Portal.
Need Help?
Contact the MERIT Support Team for assistance with MERIT account access or your STARS ID.
- 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 receiving state child care subsidies.
Available trainings include:
- Health and Safety Training for Non-Relative Providers
- Electronic Attendance System Training
CPR / First Aid / Bloodborne Pathogens (In-person)
Child Care Basics Registration (3-Day Course)
To get started
Visit The Imagine Institute’s FFN Training webpage for training information and registration.
Questions? Call (206) 492-5249.
