Our mission is to expand child care access on Vashon by uniting community voices, strengthening local resources, and creating sustainable solutions that support every family’s ability to thrive.
Vashon Child Care Coalition:
Addressing Vashon’s Child Care Desert
In early 2024, VYFS took a major step toward addressing Vashon Island’s urgent child care shortage. With support from the Department of Commerce, VYFS launched a pilot study led by researchers Yve Susskind and Betsey Archambault, producing a clear needs assessment and strategic roadmap for expanding child care access.
By July 2024, new funding allowed the effort to move from planning to action. Community momentum grew as parents, educators, and local advocates formed the Project Child Care Coalition. This group meets monthly to evaluate strategies and develop long‑term, community‑driven solutions that increase child care capacity and strengthen local resources.
Their work helps create stability for parents, opportunities for children, and a more resilient future for Vashon. Supporting the coalition means investing in the well‑being of the entire community. VYFS is a proud fiscal sponsor of the Child Care Coalition. We support their continued efforts to expand child care access for Islanders.
To get involved—either by joining or contributing—please email vashonchildcare@gmail.com.
Vashon Child Care Coalition
If you are interested in attending a coalition meeting,
please email: vashonchildcare@gmail.com to find out more.
Join the Child Care
Facebook Group
We created a Facebook group to build community between families and child care providers. This is a place where Vashon’s child care community can support each other in filling the child care gap on the island.
Island Preschools and Child Care Providers
Caterpillar Farm Preschool (Spanish Immersion)
Website: https://caterpillarfarmpreschool.com
Phone: 630-408-5500
Email: spanish4all@me.com
Ages: 3-6
Honeybee Playschool
Website: https://www.honeybeeplayschool.com/
Phone: 206-650-2594
Ages: 4 – 5
Kids Are People Too
Facebook: @ KidsArePeopleTooVashon
Phone: 206-459-4754
Email: danielleskaptoo@gmail.com
Ages: 13 months - 13 years
Vashon Art and Nature School
Website: https://vashonartandnature.school/
Phone: 253-381-9137
Email: krigin08@gmail.com
Ages: 2 – 6
Vashon Maury Cooperative Preschool
Website: http://www.vmcp.org/
Email: info@vmcp.org
Ages: 6 months – 5 years
Chautauqua Early Childhood Preschool
Website: https://www.vashonsd.org/Page/603
Phone: 206-463-8647
Email: areissiger@vashonsd.org
Ages: 3-5, must turn 3 by Aug 31st
Huckleberry Kids Playschool
Website: https://huckleberrynatureconnection.org/
Phone: 559-303-3011
Email: aly@huckleberry.earth
Ages: 2.5 - 8
Klahanie Nursery School
Website: http://www.klahanieschool.org/
Phone: 206-491-9465
Email: klahanieschool@gmail.com
Ages: 2.5 – 5
Vashon Green School
Website: http://vashongreenschool.org/about
Facebook & Instagram: @vashongreenschool
Phone: 206-466-7398
Email: vashongreenschool@gmail.com
Ages: 5 – 12
Vashon Explorers Preschool
Facebook: @VashonExplorersPreschool
Phone: 206-463-9797
Email: vashonexplorerspreschool@gmail.com
Ages: 2 - 6
Vashon Wilderness Program
Website: http://www.vashonwildernessprogram.org/
Phone: 206-651-5715
Email: info@vashonwildernessprogram.org
Ages: 4 - 15
ECEAP Preschool Program at Chautauqua Elementary
Website: www.vashonsd.org/page/604
Phone: 206-384-5188
Email: klogar@vashonsd.org
Ages: 3-5, must turn 3 by Aug 31st
Island Outdoor School
Phone: 206-852-8807
Email: islandoutdoorschool@gmail.com
Ages : 2.5 - 7
Starbreak Preschool
Website: http://starbreak.org/
Phone: 206-463-6277
Email: starbreak@centurytel.net
Ages: 3 - 6
Vashon Kids
Website: http://vyfs.org/vashon-kids/
Phone: 206-930-2592
Ages: 5 - 12