About
Our Work
- Learn About Our WorkThrough strategic public financing we help communities, states, and Native nations ensure that all children thrive.
- Strategic Public FinancingWe develop strategic public financing plans that sustain investments for kids.
- Sourcing Additional FundingWe help leaders determine which funding options are viable in their context.
- Fiscal MappingWe analyze existing funding sources and coach local leaders on budget data.
- Voter-Approved Children’s FundsWe help communities pursue dedicated public funding for kids at the ballot.
- Cost Analysis and ModelingWe identify the true cost of services to help communities reach their goals.
- Native Children’s Funding ProjectWe help Native nations create sustainable funding for Native children and youth.
Impact
Resources
- View Our Featured ResourcesOur tools and resources help local, state, and Native leaders identify sustainable ways to fund their goals for kids.
  - View Our Resource Library
- Featured Collections
- Featured Resources
Updates
Events

About
Our Work
- Learn About Our WorkThrough strategic public financing we help communities, states, and Native nations ensure that all children thrive.
- Strategic Public FinancingWe develop strategic public financing plans that sustain investments for kids.
- Sourcing Additional FundingWe help leaders determine which funding options are viable in their context.
- Fiscal MappingWe analyze existing funding sources and coach local leaders on budget data.
- Voter-Approved Children’s FundsWe help communities pursue dedicated public funding for kids at the ballot.
- Cost Analysis and ModelingWe identify the true cost of services to help communities reach their goals.
- Native Children’s Funding ProjectWe help Native nations create sustainable funding for Native children and youth.
Impact
Resources
- View Our Featured ResourcesOur tools and resources help local, state, and Native leaders identify sustainable ways to fund their goals for kids.
  - View Our Resource Library
- Featured Collections
- Featured Resources
Updates
Events

Sheila Ater Capestany is the immediate past director of the Children, Youth and Young Adult Division with the King County Department of Community and Human Services in Washington state. During her tenure with King County, Capestany was an exceptional and influential leader of Best Starts for Kids, a voter-approved, community-driven children’s fund supporting King County’s children from prenatal development to adulthood.

Before transitioning to her new role as executive director of Start Early Washington, Capestany spoke with Marina Mendoza, our senior manager for early childhood impact, about what truly “community-driven” initiatives look like, important moments that shaped Best Starts for Kids’ success, and her advice for others looking to develop impactful children’s funds.

Filed under:

Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Youth, Young Adults, Advocates/Intermediaries, Video, Voter-Approved Children’s Funds

Filed under:

Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Youth, Young Adults, Advocates/Intermediaries, Video, Voter-Approved Children’s Funds

More Resources

Publication

Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: King County, WA

Best Starts for Kids provides comprehensive support from prenatal development through young adulthood to ensure that every child raised in King County grows up happy, healthy, safe, and thriving.

Video

Investing Early in Child Well-Being Gives King County Kids the “Best Start”

Our interview with Dow Constantine, executive of King County, WA, since 2009.

Updates and Events

Still from interview

Interview

February 25, 2026

King County, WA, Keeps Community at the Center with Best Starts for Kids

News

February 11, 2026

States Push for Dedicated Funds for Children and Youth in Response to Federal Funding Challenges

Insights

January 14, 2026

A New Year of Standing Together for Children and Youth