Funding Support

We know that attending a conference is an investment of both time and resources, and we’re committed to making the Summit a valuable and accessible experience. Registration includes thoughtfully curated programming with practical takeaways, along with meals during the event to help reduce out‑of‑pocket costs. To make attendance more affordable for individuals and organizations, early‑bird registration rates are available for a limited time and offer significant savings. We didn’t forget about travel—attendees can also take advantage of a 7% discount on Alaska Airlines flights and a discounted group rate on hotel rooms. In addition, some state organizations may have access to additional funding support; please contact your state representative for more information.

Alaska attendees: 

  • Funding is available for travel and conference reimbursement through Alaska SEED. Applicants must be active in the Alaska SEED registry to be eligible for financial reimbursement.  If not already active in the Alaska SEED registry, become a member here.  

Idaho attendees: 

  • A limited number of Summit scholarships may be available based on need and availability of funding. Travel expenses are not included. Please contact nwsummit@uw.edu for information.

Washington attendees:

  • DCYF offers reimbursement for state-approved training costs for professionals currently employed in a licensed facility. See details below or visit the DCYF Training Requirements page. 
  • Contact UW conference planners, nwsummit@uw.edu 

Summit Presenters:

  • If registration fees present a barrier to your participation, please contact the planning team at nwsummit@uw.edu. A limited number of scholarships may be offered based on need and availability of funding.

Washington Training Reimbursement

DCYF offers reimbursement for state-approved training costs for professionals currently employed in a licensed facility. You may apply for a training reimbursement only once per DCYF fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) for up to $250, while funding is available. 

The following roles are eligible for training reimbursements:

  • Child Care Center directors, assistant directors, program supervisors, lead teachers, assistant teachers, aides
  • Family Home Child Care owners, lead teachers, assistant teachers, aides
  • School-Age Program directors, assistant directors, site coordinators, staff or group leaders, assistants

Training Reimbursement Application Instructions

Step 1: Verify information in your MERIT Professional Record.

  1. Login to MERIT at merit.dcyf.wa.gov.
  2. Click the subtab for “Professional Record.”
  3. Confirm state-approved training is listed in the Annual Continuing Education Training section of your professional record.  
  4. Confirm you have current employment in an eligible job role with a confirmed or verified status listed in the employment section of your MERIT professional record.

Step 2: Complete a Training Reimbursement Application.

  1. In MERIT, select “My Applications” tab.
  2. Select “Training Reimbursement.”
  3. Follow the steps to complete and submit the application.

Step 3: Verify an active Statewide Vendor (SWV) number is listed in your MERIT record.