Washington’s childcare system and economic stability are on the brink.
As a provider serving 40 children, I work two jobs and often forgo my own paycheck to pay my staff.
This is not sustainable, yet families depend on us.
Recent subsidy policy changes will require children attend more than 16 days per month for providers to be fully paid, while eliminating reimbursement for holidays and training.
Providers cannot control attendance, and staffing costs remain fixed regardless of absences due to illness or licensing requirements.
Over 51,000 children in Washington rely on these subsidies. If providers cannot afford to serve them, centers will close, causing parents to lose their ability to work.
I have seen the human cost: one mother in my program lost her childcare, housing and job after receiving a raise. She and her children ended up homeless.
Childcare is essential infrastructure.
If we do not fix these policies, families will fall deeper into crisis, and our state’s economic stability will crumble.
Tina Kendall
Lewis County
