When infrastructure and community spaces are safe and align with the community’s needs, children and families can be happy, healthy, and safe.
Through our Capital Program Priority 2 request for proposals, Best Starts is supporting critical health and safety repairs of 12 buildings and facilities serving children and young people across King County.
We’re excited to share the completion of two critical health and safety repair projects at Children’s Therapy Center and Encompass Northwest!
Children’s Therapy Center
Children’s Therapy Center replaced two rooftop HVAC units and restored the roof. The original 2003 HVAC units had gone through multiple service repairs and were reaching the end of its lifespan. The new and updated HVAC units are more safe and no longer contain refrigerant with hazardous chemicals.
Before
After
“Children’s Therapy Center is committed to maximizing the potential of children with disabilities. The ability to partner with Best Starts for Kids Capital helps ensure our properties are safe for families in King County accessing our buildings for programs and services. Additionally, Best Starts for Kids Capital’s values ensure that the contractors hired to complete the work are paid fairly and equitably.”
Encompass Northwest
Encompass Northwest completed several health and safety renovations and updated their early learning center. Renovations included fencing for the play yard, replacement of damaged flooring, a new water heater, updated lighting, and new building entry doors to better accommodate a security system and improve handicap accessibility.
Before
After
“We appreciate the availability of this funding opportunity as well as the flexibility and accessibility of King County staff who helped throughout the process, especially as our project needs changed. The impact the renovations have had on participants as well as staff is immeasurable. Everyone feels better to be in a safe, clean, and hygienic environment. The facility improvements have increased morale, alleviated some parental concerns regarding safety issues, and has allowed Encompass to continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for the children in our care.”
What’s next?
Additional Priority 2 and Priority 1 capital projects are underway. Priority 3 capital project awardees will be announced this summer. Best Starts will be launching a Priority 1 capital project request for proposals in Q4 2025. Check for updates on the Best Starts Funding Calendar and subscribe to our blog or newsletter for the latest updates.
