What We Do
1
Educate Policymakers
We provide education across the aisle to state legislators, their staff, and other key advocates on the importance of early childhood public policy - including child care and early learning - through a multi-channel education program called the Legislator Education and Action Project (LEAP). We're proud to leverage expertise and resources through a dynamic collaboration with the Association of Washington Businesses generously sponsored by the Ballmer Group, two respected organizations who share a vision of a Washington where children, families, and businesses can thrive.
2
Organize Community Members
We believe every issue affecting children and families deserves a real, organized constituency behind it — and right now, we're all in on child care. We mobilize parents, caregivers, and community advocates across Washington to amplify the voices of those most impacted by the child care crisis. Through grassroots organizing, targeted outreach, and community trainings and education we connect everyday Washingtonians to the policy process — empowering them to share their stories, engage their representatives, and champion the solutions that support children and families in their own communities.
3
Change the Narrative
We believe every issue affecting children and families deserves a powerful story behind it — and right now, we're all in on child care. Through strategic communications, earned media, and storytelling campaigns, we work to shift the public conversation around child care from a private family matter to a shared economic and social priority. When more people understand the urgency of the crisis and the opportunity to solve it, lasting change becomes possible for children and families across Washington.
Our work is only possible because of supporters who believe Washington's children deserve better. We invite you to consider a tax-deductible contribution to the Children's Campaign and join us in making that vision a reality.
In the News
Below is a selection of recent news coverage featuring our staff, board, volunteers, or close partners that helps share the story of why change is so urgently needed for Washington's children, youth, and families.
02/11/2026
Nichole June Maher, Natasha Hill and Alex Galeana:
"At Inatai Foundation, the Children’s Campaign Fund Action, and in the Washington Legislature, we hear the same message from the communities we serve and represent again and again: Child care is essential for the long-term health and well-being of our children and our state..." Read more from our Executive Director and partners in the Spokesman Review here.
2/27/2026
Comment: Cap on child care would harm families and employers
"Parents of young children can’t work without child care. Access to quality, affordable child care is vital for parents to support their families, for employers to maintain a reliable workforce, and for children to experience high quality early learning opportunities..." Read more from our board chair and retired state legislator Ruth Kagi and fellow retired legislative champions Lisa Brown and Andy Billig in the Herald here.
02/15/2026
Restore state funding to vital childcare support program
"Childcare is not optional. It is part of our infrastructure, just like housing, roads and hospitals. When childcare fails, everything else does too." Read more from past board chair Ida Keeley in the Herald here...
10/12/2025
How to solve the child care crisis in Seattle area
"There is no shortage of proposals for how to make child care more affordable in Washington and ease costs on providers. But these ideas require significant public investment, say advocates..." Read more coverage from Victor Whitman featuring our Deputy Director Kelly Edens in The Seattle Times here.
Kelly Edens,
Deputy Director
“You have to raise up all four corners of the tent at the same time because you have to address paying child care providers a living wage at the same time as addressing affordability for families. If you try to make child care affordable for all families, but there’s not a workforce, then you don’t have the accessibility piece.”