The 2023 investment represents the fourth round of payments supporting the child care industry since the start of the pandemic. This is an important step to demonstrate our commitment and gratitude to the childcare professionals who are the bedrock of our community and economy, and our work continues to ensure stability and equity for these essential workers.” Child Care Workforce Investments Background “These Seattle Child Care Staff Retention Payments, made possible because of the JumpStart progressive payroll tax I championed, are a much-needed investment into these skilled workers who have helped carry our community through the pandemic and beyond. “Child care workers provided a critical service that benefitted all of us during the height of the pandemic, caring for our kiddos and supporting our families, communities, and economy in the face of a once-in-a-generation crisis,” said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Position 8. While these one-time payments are not enough to eliminate persistent wage inequity faced by women of color providers in a historically underfunded profession, they are an acknowledgment by City leaders that greater investment is urgently needed to support child care workers and ensure continuity of access to high quality care for families. Based on the total number of applicants, the total award amount for each worker is $1,380 before administrative fees and taxes are applied.
This year’s award distribution includes 46 first-time agencies to receive staff retention payments, most of which (78%) are family child care providers. Of 3,750 total child care staff recipients, 73% identify as people of color. I’m pleased that the Seattle Child Care Staff Retention Payments will continue to show our appreciation and support of this workforce helping us build a prosperous future for our entire city.”Ībout 72% of licensed child care providers operating within Seattle boundaries applied for payments on behalf of their staff. “Investing in our child care providers will ensure that the people who care for Seattle’s youngest learners can continue to provide them with high-quality early learning opportunities, preparing our youth for success in academics and beyond. “Child care workers-and a strong and stable workforce-are critical for ongoing pandemic recovery and healthy communities,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. The City’s payments are intended to recognize the important role of child care workers, and mitigate ongoing pandemic impacts to staffing by incentivizing worker retention. This sector, which is predominately comprised of women of color, continues to earn among the lowest wages in the state, approximately ten dollars less hourly than median workers, according to May 2022 data from the U.S. Long-standing staffing shortages and wage inequities in the child care sector-exacerbated by the pandemic-have become systemic challenges for families seeking affordable, quality care. Workers receiving funds represent a total of 500 provider agencies across the city, including center-based, school-age, and family child care programs. Funded by $5.3 million in Jumpstart Payroll Expense Tax funds-the City’s largest direct payment investment to date-Seattle Child Care Staff Retention Payments provide financial relief for workers that constitute a critical, yet underpaid, industry. SEATTLE (September 12) – More than 3,700 Seattle child care professionals are receiving a one-time payment of up to $1,380 from the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) to support child care worker retention. Contact: Sage Leibenson, 206.507.6701 $13.5 million in direct industry investments from the City of Seattle since 2021
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