Training Requirements

Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) providers have to meet training requirements if they are serving children receiving state subsidy. Most trainings must be completed within 90 days from the date of subsidy authorization. See the complete list of trainings below.

Required Training for Non-Relative and Cousin FFN Providers Only

 

TrainingWays to CompleteHow to Begin
DCYF Approved Health & Safety Training

If you completed Child Care Basics after October 2018 or the Initial Certificate after July 2019, you meet the federal health and safety training requirements and do not need to complete the Health and Safety Training.

  • Online

     

DCYF Safe Sleep Training

This requirement is for non-relative FFN providers caring for infants (newborn through 12 months of age).

  • Online
First Aid, Infant CPR, and Bloodborne Pathogens
  • In-person,
    hands on

You can also find training in your local community through fire departments, the Red Cross, etc.

Subsidy Billing Training
  • Online
  • In-person
  • Self-paced Workbook

 

Review the subsidy billing guides, and additional resources on the Subsidy Information page.

Electronic Attendance System Training
  • Online
  • In-person
  • Self-paced Workbook

Find resources and supports to implement  the electronic attendance system on the Electronic Attendance System webpage.

Required Training for Relative-FFN Providers Only

TrainingWays to CompleteHow to Begin
Subsidy Billing Training
  • Online
  • In-person
  • Self-pace Workbook

 

Review the subsidy billing guides, and additional resources on the Subsidy Information page.

DCYF Electronic Attendance System Training
  • In-person
  • Online
  • Self-pace Workbook

Review the subsidy billing guides, and additional resources on the Subsidy Information page.

 

Prior to Taking Training

Be sure you have a STARS ID. Need a STARS ID? Get one when you register in MERIT.

  1. Visit MERIT at merit.dcyf.wa.gov
  2. Click on ‘Sign In or Register’
  3. Fill out the required fields. Create a password
  4. Activate your account by clicking on the email sent to you. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
  5. Return to ‘Sign In’ page
  6. Sign in. Username is your email address
  7. Once signed in, go to the ‘Applications’ tab
  8. Click on the application 'STARS ID Number’
  9. Follow the steps in order to apply for your STARS ID

Completing Online Trainings

Sign in and take online trainings at the Online Training Portal.

  • Need to create an account?
    • Click "I am a new student and need a username and password".
    • By filling out all of the information on the boxes, you will create an account.
      • You will need an email address and your STARS ID. For instructions on how to create a MERIT account and obtain your STARS ID, see above.
    • After registering, you will be taken to the welcome screen where you can click the link to access your training. You will receive an email with your username, password, and a link to the login page.
  • Forgot your username or password? Click "forgot username or password" to reset your information.

For additional support, contact the MERIT support team at:

The Imagine Institute

The Imagine Institute offers required training for FFN providers that are serving children receiving state subsidy including the mandatory Health and Safety training for non-relative FFN providers and Electronic Attendance System training.

To learn more about trainings offered and registration, visit their website or call 206-492-5249.