Every day in Washington State, decisions are made about early childhood education—about how it’s funded, who has access, how it’s regulated, and who gets to be a part of shaping it. But far too often, immigrant and refugee childcare providers—the very backbone of our early learning system—are missing from those rooms.

At Voices of Tomorrow (VOT), we believe that policies created without the wisdom of those directly impacted will never lead to equity. That’s why we launched the Provider Advisory Council—a bold initiative that brings immigrant and refugee providers together to lead, inform, and influence systems that have long excluded them.

“We’ve been doing the work, but nobody ever asked us what we need.”

A Seat at the Table—and the Power to Shape It

This Council isn’t just about representation. It’s about transformation. Immigrant and refugee providers aren’t new to the work—they’ve been holding down entire communities for decades. They are teachers, small business owners, language holders, and culture bearers. They provide care that reflects families’ values and identities. And yet, they are systematically excluded from shaping the very systems they sustain.

Whether due to licensing systems that disregard cultural practices, trainings that aren’t translated, or policies made without context—these providers often operate in a system built for someone else.

Our Communities Are Growing—So Must Our Voice

Over 60,000 East African immigrants now call King County home, alongside tens of thousands from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other global communities. Many are parents. Many are educators. Many are running high-quality, culturally grounded childcare programs from their homes.

In fact, there are hundreds of licensed immigrant- and refugee-led family childcare providers across Washington State, and the numbers are growing. But unless their experiences shape the conversation, early learning policies will continue to reflect a narrow, inequitable vision of care.

In Uncertain Times, Our Voice Is Our Power

With proposed state budget cuts to early learning, mounting economic pressures, and ongoing shifts in political will—there’s never been a more critical time to center community voice.

This isn’t just about preventing cuts. It’s about reshaping the future of early learning in Washington to reflect who we really are—and who we want to become.

The Provider Advisory Council: Advocacy in Action

The Provider Advisory Council is a space where immigrant and refugee childcare providers can:

• Advise on urgent issues impacting their work and communities
• Collaborate on program development, outreach, and culturally relevant services
• Advocate for inclusive policies around funding, licensing, and early learning supports
• Build leadership across communities and raise awareness among lawmakers, funders, and the public

Council members meet quarterly (virtually or in person) and serve one-year terms. Members are supported by Asha Farah, Public Policy and Community Engagement Specialist, and Najma Egal, Community Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, who help coordinate and amplify the work of the Council.

This Isn’t Just a Meeting—It’s a Movement

This Council isn’t about tokenism—it’s about agency. It’s about recognizing that the people who care for our children should also help shape the systems that support them. That those closest to the community are closest to the solutions.

• If you’re a funder, this is the work to support.
• If you’re a community member, this is the voice to follow.
• If you’re a provider, this is your place to lead.

We Know What Our Communities Need—We Just Need the Mic

Our providers know what culturally responsive, trauma-informed, language-affirming care looks like—because they live it every day. The Provider Advisory Council ensures that wisdom is not just acknowledged, but centered in decisions that affect thousands of families across the state.

Let’s make sure immigrant and refugee voices are no longer an afterthought—but the blueprint for the future of early learning.

Reach out today to learn more about Provider Advisory Council:

📧 Asha Farah – [email protected]