The True Cost of Quality Child Care in Washington A report by the Washington Child Care Collaborative Task Force | Page 6

Letter from the Tri-Chairs

Child care was essential to our state ’ s frontline response to COVID-19 and it is essential for our state ’ s economic recovery . Child care has always been essential for children , families , and economies . Four years of research and recommendations by the Child Care Collaborative Task Force – and learning from one another ’ s lived experiences – has made clear that , in addition to nurturing our most precious loved ones , the child care industry is propping up other industries in Washington .

The percentage of families that reported difficulty finding space in licensed child care increased dramatically from 22 percent in December 2021 to 58 percent in January 2022 . Without intervention , these gaps in access to high-quality care – and their disproportionate impacts on women – could grow . Licensed child care programs face significant challenges recruiting and retaining staff in a tight labor market amid competition from retail , hospitality , and service sectors that offer higher wages and benefits . In the meantime , while parents look to return to the workforce and employers look to fill their rosters , licensed child care providers are forced to close entire classrooms and , in some cases , permanently close their doors .

The good news is that we know what works ! 62,370 child care slots were maintained in Washington through $ 400 million in stabilization grants funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act . Stabilization grants serve as proof of concept that public funding can help licensed child care programs stay afloat , but these were short-term relief programs that have already come to an end .

These policies , along with the commitment and resourcefulness of child care providers , have helped the child care sector persevere through the public health emergency . However , the hardships endured over the past three years illustrate the challenges of child care business models and the need for public policies and funding that support the financial viability of the industry going forward . This study on the cost of quality care in Washington comes at a crucial moment . The cost of quality care estimation model has allowed the task force to consider policy and budget solutions to stabilize and grow the industry .

Together , we recommend adoption of a cost of quality care rate setting model that incorporates a living wage floor and salary scale and delivers publicly funded wage boosts to staff in public and private licensed child care settings . We have deferred action on compensation for too long . We must act now to preserve our child care infrastructure and to build back stronger than before . Even in the best of times , poverty wages for the child care workforce perpetuate the very economic inequalities our child care system is meant to address . Our children and the parents and providers who care for them deserve systemic solutions to this crisis . Indeed , our state depends on them .

Amy Anderson Association of Washington Business

Luc Jasmin ( served until Oct . 2022 ) Washington Childcare Centers Association & Parkview Early Learning Center

Ryan Pricco Child Care Aware of Washington

2022 COST OF QUALITY CHILD CARE LEGISLATIVE REPORT 3