Seattle provides drop-in childcare in response to teachers strike

With the start of the Seattle Public Schools (SPS) teachers’ strike pausing classes indefinitely, the City of Seattle has announced that it will start offering childcare programs to parents.

These Recreation Activity Hubs are at eight designated community centers and will have free recreation programs and activities for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. 

Teacher strike indefinitely closes Seattle Schools

Starting Monday, Sept. 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., they will be offering free recreational programs to families that register.

The program is being run by the City of Seattle through Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), in partnership with the Associated Recreation Council.

The eight Recreation Activity Hubs are being held at locations all around Seattle, including Alki Community Center, Ballard Community Center, Bitter Lake Community Center, Jefferson Community Center, Rainier Beach Community Center, Montlake Community Center, High Point Community Center, and Meadowbrook Community Center. The new childcare program could affect classes previously scheduled to be held at the centers.

“With the start of the school year delayed, the City of Seattle is activating community centers to serve as recreation drop-in locations – providing stability and safety that we know students need after two years of pandemic disruption,” Mayor Harrell said. “We encourage teachers and the school district to urgently reach a just and fair resolution that centers our students and prioritizes their education and future.”

For those eligible for Seattle’s Child Care Assistance Program, and who already have a before- or after-school program, you can automatically receive additional subsidies to cover full-day care.

If the strike does continue into next week, Seattle Preschool Program services operated by SPS will be delayed from starting as planned on Monday, and families looking for preschool childcare should reach out to Child Care Aware to learn about any programs that have space for drop-ins.

Families can register online via ActiveNet starting Thursday, Sept. 8. 

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