Snohomish County Council members: Here’s how we’re tackling Washington’s childcare crisis

We are facing a childcare crisis in Washington State. Snohomish County, considered a childcare desert, is struggling more than most. To reach even the state average, we would need to add 3,500 childcare slots. However, to fully meet the actual demand, Snohomish County would need 13,000 additional slots. The high cost and scarcity of quality childcare creates significant barriers for families, strain on our local economy, and limits the potential of our future workforce. As elected officials, we are deeply concerned about this significant challenge.

In Washington State, the average cost of infant care is $20,370, according to Tootris, a childcare collaborative that includes providers and families. The cost for four-year-olds averages $15,720—higher than in-state tuition at the University of Washington. These costs are unsustainable and place a significant burden on families across our state.

What’s behind the childcare crisis in Washington state?

To be sure, this is a complex, multi-faceted issue.

Staffing shortages lead to fewer available childcare slots, driving up prices as supply fails to meet demand. A recent survey of over 10,000 providers found that more than half face staffing shortages. Increased educational requirements for childcare workers are one factor preventing otherwise qualified individuals from entering the field. We must take steps to reduce these barriers and provide incentives to attract and retain professionals in this critical industry.

Facility requirements for childcare providers also contribute to the high cost and limited availability of childcare. While ensuring safe environments for children is paramount, excessive regulations can make it difficult to open and maintain crucial childcare facilities.

As policymakers, we must closely examine these requirements and find ways to ease the burden on providers while maintaining necessary safety standards.

Childcare is also about the economy

The financial strain of childcare has real consequences on our local economy and workforce.

According to ECOnorthwest, nearly 40% of parents with children aged 12 or younger have reported quitting or losing their jobs due to childcare challenges. With the rising cost of living requiring more families to rely on dual incomes, affordable, quality childcare is essential to ensuring employers can find the skilled workforce needed to support economic growth.

Children ages 3 to 5 are in one of the most critical learning periods of their lives. Their future success depends on access to quality early childhood education. During these formative years, interactions with parents, caregivers, teachers, and peers play a crucial role in development. Quality childcare and early education can change the trajectory of a child’s academic career. We must do more to give every child the best possible start in life.

Here’s how Snohomish County is addressing the childcare crisis

While many of these challenges require action at the state level, local governments also have a role to play in expanding access to childcare.

To that end, we were proud to cosponsor legislation to increase the flexibility for siting and permitting childcare facilities in Snohomish County. This legislation was unanimously adopted by the Snohomish County Council earlier this week and is a small but positive step in the right direction. As a result, childcare providers will have a smoother and more affordable permitting process and the map for where childcare centers can be sited is expanded.

The Snohomish County Council also hosted a panel discussion with childcare providers and experts to better understand their specific challenges and identify local solutions to improve access and affordability.

To address this crisis, we need a comprehensive approach. Solutions must include strategies for recruiting and retaining skilled childcare professionals, reforming the regulatory environment to ease burdens on providers, and increasing the availability of quality childcare.

We are committed to doing our part in Snohomish County and urge leaders at the state and local levels to collaborate with providers and families to address these challenges. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the care they need to thrive.

Nate Nehring is the Chair of the Snohomish County Council. He represents the northern portion of Snohomish County and has served in office since 2017. Nate and his wife, Savannah, live in Arlington where they are raising their three young children.

Jared Mead is a current member of the Snohomish County Council and former State Representative for Washington’s 44^th Legislative District. Jared and his wife, Krystal, live in Mill Creek where they are raising their four young children.

Both are Special Contributors to MyNorthwest.