My Universal Childcare Plan for King County
Becoming a father has been the greatest joy of my life. But like so many parents in our region, my wife and I have experienced firsthand how limited childcare options and skyrocketing costs affect our family, our careers, and the well-being of our baby. We’re not alone — King County is facing a childcare crisis.
Right now, licensed childcare in King County meets only 51% of the need for children under six, according to a report from Washington STEM. This means nearly half of the families seeking childcare are left without access to a licensed provider, forcing many parents to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely. The shortage of affordable childcare isn’t just a problem for families; it’s a barrier to economic growth and workforce stability in King County.
As King County Executive, I will fight to expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare so that every child has a strong start and every parent has the support they need to succeed.
Last month, I released my Homelessness Action Plan and then my Public Safety Now Plan. Today, I’m releasing my Universal Childcare Plan.
Girmay’s Universal Childcare Plan
Develop a Framework for Universal Childcare
To address the childcare challenges in King County, we will support a long-term strategy aimed at providing universal childcare. This framework will:
- Conduct Comprehensive Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough analysis to identify the total need in our community and current barriers such as facility shortages, high service costs, and regulatory obstacles. This assessment will provide a data-driven foundation for our strategic planning.
- Set Ambitious Targets: Establish clear, measurable goals for expanding childcare availability and affordability, ensuring that progress can be tracked and evaluated.
- Direct the Necessary Investments: Determine funding requirements and potential sources to meet our objectives, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to maximize impact.
Expand Childcare subsidies
- Expand King County’s Childcare Subsidies: To make childcare more accessible, I will expand county childcare subsidies by expanding programs like Best Starts for Kids to help more families afford high-quality care.
- Seek State and Federal Funding: Advocate for increased state and federal investments in childcare programs, ensuring King County secures additional resources to expand subsidies and reduce costs for working families.
- Direct Resources to Underserved Areas: Channel funds to communities lacking sufficient childcare options, addressing disparities in access.
Invest in the Childcare Workforce
A well-supported workforce is essential for quality childcare. Our initiatives will include:
- Apprenticeship Programs: Develop training programs to attract and retain skilled childcare professionals.
- Fair Compensation: Continue to invest in competitive wages and benefits to reduce turnover and enhance service quality.
- Professional Development: Offer continuous learning opportunities to keep staff updated on best practices.
Streamline Facility Development
To encourage the establishment of new childcare centers, we will:
- Simplify Permitting Processes: Reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite approvals for new facilities.
- Waive Fees: Eliminate financial barriers associated with starting or expanding childcare centers.
- Revise Land-Use Codes: Update zoning regulations to support the development of childcare facilities in diverse locations.
Facilitate Collaboration Across Providers
Collaboration enhances efficiency and quality. My administration will:
- Facilitate Shared Services Alliances: Enable providers to pool resources for training, administrative support, and bulk purchasing.
- Support Home-Based Providers: Connect home-based providers to technical assistance, and share best practices and resources.
- Host Stakeholder Roundtables: Bring together families, providers, businesses, and community organizations to host regular Roundtables that aim to develop a unified approach to childcare expansion.
Support Kinship Care Providers
Kinship care — when relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings, step in to care for children — plays a vital role in keeping families together and providing children with stability. Yet, kinship caregivers often struggle with limited financial support, lack of access to childcare subsidies, and difficulties navigating government assistance programs. As Executive, I will ensure King County supports these caregivers by:
- Expanding Childcare Assistance to Kinship Families: Ensuring that kinship caregivers have equal access to county-administered childcare subsidies and financial assistance programs.
- Providing Training and Resources: Offering workshops and resources to help kinship caregivers navigate the childcare system, access early learning programs, and connect with support networks.
- Advocating for State and Federal Support: Pushing for increased funding and policy changes that recognize and support kinship caregivers as essential childcare providers.
- Creating Peer Support Networks: Establishing community-based networks where kinship caregivers can share knowledge, access resources, and receive guidance on raising children in a stable and nurturing environment.
Expand Employer-Sponsored Childcare for King County Employees
As one of the largest employers in the region, King County has an opportunity to lead by example in addressing the childcare crisis. By expanding employer-sponsored childcare for county employees, we can relieve pressure on the overall childcare market while ensuring that our own workforce has the support they need to thrive. As Executive, I will work with unions and employee groups to identify opportunities for county-operated childcare centers at key employment hubs.
Replicate Successful Models
We will draw inspiration from effective initiatives nationwide, such as:
- Employer-Sponsored Childcare: Encourage local businesses to offer on-site childcare, improving employee retention and satisfaction.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with philanthropic organizations to strengthen local childcare systems and increase access.
A Stronger Future for our Families Starts Now
Universal childcare is essential to supporting our children, our families, and our workforce. Our universal childcare plan will help address the childcare crisis in King County, pushing toward the goal of every child having access to quality care. But to implement this plan, I need your support.
Together, we can build a King County where every child and family has the resources they need to thrive.
Best,
Girmay Zahilay
Candidate for King County Executive
