Seattle has invested $16 million in child care workforce support since the pandemic 

Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) announced that more than 4,950 child care educators and staff will receive a one-time payment of up to $555 to support and recognize the importance of their roles for Seattle families and children.   

Last week, Mayor Harrell announced that the Every Child Ready initiative and proposal to renew the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy includes $18.5 million to continue direct payments to child care workers through 2032. 

“Child care workers are the backbone of our city, supporting strong working families and creating safe, nurturing environments for the next generation to learn and grow in,” said Mayor Harrell. “This dedicated workforce shows up every day for our communities with heart, patience, and an unwavering commitment to shape young minds and help them thrive. Our Every Child Ready initiative will continue this partnership with the child care community to build a city where every family has access to affordable child care opportunities and providers receive the living wages and respect that they deserve.”  

“As any parent can tell you, leaving your child with a caretaker can be difficult. You want to know that your child will be safe, happy, engaged and encouraged,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera, District 4, Chair of Select Committee on FEPP Levy. “Seattle’s Child Care Assistance Program providers play such a large role in the lives of kids in their care, and the families who depend upon them. By investing in childcare providers, we can retain and attract these essential workers and support our working families and their kids.” 

This is the fifth round for the Child Care Staff Retention Payments, which began in 2021. Workers receiving funds this year represent 608 provider agencies across the city, including center-based, school-age, and family child care programs.  

Seattle’s child care workers are predominantly comprised of women of color who continue to earn among the lowest wages in the state – approximately $11 less than the hourly mean pay for Seattle area workers, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since 2021, thousands of child care workers have received financial support from the City distributing over $16 million since the start of the pandemic.  

“The strength of our communities starts with the care and education our children receive from an early age,” said DEEL Director Dr. Dwane Chappelle. “Through Every Child Ready, we plan to sustain investments in Seattle’s child care workforce — made up largely of women of color — whose daily work shapes the future of our city. These retention payments reflect our commitment to valuing that work and building a city where every child can thrive.” 

About 80% of licensed child care providers operating within Seattle boundaries applied for payments on behalf of their staff for this grant year. Of the 4,953 total child care staff recipients 71% identify as people of color. This year’s award distribution includes 117 first-time agencies to receive staff retention payments, most of which (78%) are family child care providers, with 33% more individual workers receiving payments than in 2023. Based on the total number of applicants, the total award amount for each worker is $555 before payroll taxes and administrative fees.   

DEEL partnered with BrightSpark Early Learning Services to deliver direct payments to all eligible staff working at family child care and center-based programs licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families within Seattle city limits. Staff hired before February 3, 2025 were eligible, and the amount per worker was determined based on the number of eligible staff identified by providers. All payments are anticipated to be in the hands of workers no later than June 30, 2025.  

“The child care retention payments will support my staff and I in ways you can’t imagine,” said Said Khadra, owner of her family child care program at Ryan Early Learning Program. “The cost of living has gone up in Seattle so I’m happy that the City of Seattle can give back to us.” 

“At BrightSpark, we are honored to partner with the Department of Education and Early Learning in distributing these crucial funds,” said Courtney Nolen-Viducich, BrightSpark Program Officer. “This initiative is not just an investment in our child care workers; it is an investment in the future of Seattle’s children and the prosperity of our community. Together, we are committed to uplifting those who dedicate their lives to nurturing our youngest citizens, recognizing their invaluable contribution to a thriving, equitable society.”  

The City Council’s Select Committee on the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy will review the mayor’s Every Child Ready initiative and proposal to renew the FEPP levy and consider referral to voters for the November 2025 ballot.