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How to Maximize Tax Savings with Tax Credit Optimization
When it comes to managing finances, tax credits are one of the smartest tools available. They directly reduce the amount of tax you owe, unlike deductions that only reduce your taxable income. If you’re an employer, HR consultant, or manager looking to support your workforce while keeping your business financially healthy, understanding tax credit optimization is essential. In this post, I’ll walk you through practical ways to leverage tax credits effectively and help you cre
debbiecarlsen21
3 days ago4 min read


Billie Quiring: A Lifelong Advocate for Inclusive Early Learning
As Billie opens her 2nd Granite Falls center in January 2026, her work continues to remind the community that building strong early learning systems means investing in providers, valuing their professionalism, and creating policies that let all programs succeed so that, together, “all boats rise.”

Debbie Carlsen
Dec 18, 20254 min read


Empowering Child Care Providers: The Inspiration Behind Washington Families Thrive's Pathways to Progress Series
Child care providers play a crucial role in shaping the early experiences of children and supporting families. Yet, many face challenges such as limited resources, evolving regulations, and the need for ongoing professional development. Washington Families Thrive recognized these challenges and created the Pathways to Progress series to support child care providers in growing and expanding their businesses. This blog post examines the reasons behind this initiative and how it

Debbie Carlsen
Nov 12, 20253 min read


From Burden to Benefit: Rethinking Child Care Regulations
Early learning educators learning on the job There are over 100 Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) governing early learning programs in Washington State, which are continually updated and revised. The frequent changes to these WACs can be overwhelming and challenging for busy child care owners and directors to track. Last year, Representative Dent sponsored a bill, with Representative Eslick as a co-sponsor, known as HB 1648. This bill called for a review of the education

Debbie Carlsen
Nov 4, 20252 min read


Why are employer child care benefits important to employees?
Employer child care benefits play a crucial role in the overall well-being of employees, as they significantly alleviate the stress that often accompanies balancing work and family responsibilities . When employers provide these benefits, they create an environment where employees feel supported in their dual roles as workers and caregivers. This support can lead to a more harmonious workplace , where employees are less preoccupied with their child care arrangements and more

Debbie Carlsen
Oct 30, 20252 min read


Navigating Child Care Challenges for Working Families in Snohomish County
The lack of child care in Snohomish County has become an urgent issue for many working families. With the demand for quality child care on the rise, parents are struggling to secure reliable and affordable options for their little ones. In this blog post, we will examine the challenges families face in Snohomish County, the impact of the child care crisis, and actionable solutions to help ease the burden on working parents. Understanding the Child Care Landscape Snohomish Cou

Debbie Carlsen
Oct 30, 20254 min read
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