More Than Child Care: How One Local Program Helps Young Families Build Their Future

United Way Grays Harbor  ·  Community Impact

Imagine being a first-time parent, attending high school all day, with no family nearby to help.For some student parents in Grays Harbor, some still in high school, that’s not a hypothetical. It’s a Tuesday. Snug Harbor exists for that moment.

Supported in part by United Way Grays Harbor, the program provides on-site child care and support so student parents do not have to choose between their child and their education. For many, it makes it possible to stay in school and continue into college. "I'm all day in school. They help me. There's no one else. I'm really grateful."

— A student mom currently in the program, studying toward a career in healthcare

Karen became a mom in high school. She kept going.

Today, she is two months away from finishing her degree at Grays Harbor College. She is already considering nursing school.

Her daughter has been part of the program from early on. Now four years old, she is preparing for preschool, moving forward on the same foundation she already knows.

They are both moving forward.

More than a room with toys

What makes this program stand out is everything that happens around the child care.

Families receive help navigating WIC, parenting plans, court paperwork, and more. Staff step in where support systems are missing, helping parents work through challenges that can otherwise stop them from continuing forward.

Children are also connected to early childhood screenings and preschool pathways, ensuring they do not fall behind as they grow.

10 Children currently enrolled — infants, toddlers & preschoolers

7 High school interns building early childhood careers

150+ Hours of hands-on experience earned per intern

Building the next generation of child care workers

Snug Harbor is not only supporting families today. It is preparing the workforce for tomorrow.

High school students complete dual-credit early childhood education courses while working in a real child care setting. They earn CPR certification, food handler permits, DCYF training, and hands-on experience.

These certifications remove one of the biggest barriers to entering the field. Some are recognized as college credit, giving students a head start before they ever step onto a campus.

"By doing these dual credit classes, they are able to pass that barrier — and it's another way for kids to graduate, too."

— Harbor Learning Center program staff

Snug Harbor helps student parents stay in school while building a stronger foundation for their children and their future.

United Way Grays Harbor supports programs like Snug Harbor Nursery and COPE so families have the support they need to keep moving forward.

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