Where There’s a Will

Tracie Searle recently opened Kid Town Child Care, an in-home day care service. This isn’t Tracie’s first time operating
a child care business—in fact, 20 years ago she worked with NeighborImpact Child Care Resources for training and to earn her certification. She left the field to raise her family, and starting again was difficult. New regulations, permitting language and child care codes in residential areas for necessary permits proved challenging for Tracie..
“I wrote my plans several times for the City, and they kept denying them,” Tracie said. “I called Karen, crying. I was going to quit. It was too much.” Karen Prow, Child Care Resources Director, invited Tracie into the Redmond Child Care Task Force. There, Tracie connected to an advocate from City of Redmond permitting.
“Two days later, the City approved my permits,” Tracie said.
“Child Care Resources’ relationship and connection with the City moved things along. I was about to quit, but I decided to stick with it.”
NeighborImpact helped Tracie navigate the entire process, from water testing to connecting with a mentor. Kid Town Child Care now provides care for three children, and Tracie hopes to expand services to 10 children soon. “I wouldn’t be here doing this if it weren’t for NeighborImpact,” Tracie said.