Navigating the Child Care System in Washington State

Child care access is critical for workers’ success.

We know those in our industries struggle with finding care during the hours they need it and where they need it. We’ve gathered resources to help you access child care.

Finding reliable, affordable child care is a significant challenge for workers in the building, construction, and manufacturing trades. 

This problem affects people’s career trajectories, job satisfaction, home lives, overall wellbeing, and willingness to enter or remain in the trades.

This FREE webinar includes insights from child care providers, labor leaders, and will discuss: 

·         The challenges that workers and providers are currently facing, 

·         What resources are available now, and 

·         What resources could be helpful in the future as we ALL work to tackle this issue for working families.

Two types of child care:

Licensed child care:

These child care settings include licensed child care centers and licensed family child care homes. Each provider must receive and maintain their license with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. They must also follow regulations and standards that can be found in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 110-300. Licensed family homes are more likely to be able to accommodate non-standard hour care before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on weekdays and weekend care. Both licensed family homes and centers may include transportation to and from school, when needed. Fees tend to be by the month, in order for the provider to hold the spot for the family.

Informal child care:

This category includes unlicensed pre-K schools that operate for four hours or less for children 3–5 years old; family, friend, and neighbor care; and nanny care. Family, friend, and neighbor providers may only care for the child in the child’s home, if the provider is not a relative. If the provider is a relative, they may care for the child in the provider’s home or in the child’s home. This type of care is flexible. The family and provider would need to work out transportation options for the child if coming from another child care provider, from school, or from another setting. Family, friend, and neighbor care is more likely to accommodate non-standard work hours (before 6 a.m., after 6 p.m., and weekends. Fees tend to be hourly but can be mutually arranged by the month.

Frequently asked questions:

What ages are accepted in child care?

Washington’s child care ages are from 4 weeks to 12 years. If a child has special needs, child care can be extended past 12 years of age.

How long can my child be in child care?

There is no restriction on how long a child can be in child care. Families and child care providers work out the hours and schedule that best meets the needs of both parties. The only limitation is that licensed facilities must adhere to the adult to child ratios required by law.

What if my schedule changes/I work overtime?

If your schedule changes, your child can stay in a child care facility as long as the provider is able to accommodate the change. There is no prohibition to this accommodation beyond the regulations and operating policies of the child care facility such as maintaining safe adult to child ratios and the facility being able to stay open. You should always arrange for back-up care and transportation in case the facility is not able to accommodate your schedule change.

Why is childcare so expensive?

Child care facilities are required to follow hundreds of regulations, established by Washington State, to reduce unsafe situations and to support the best practices for children in care. That includes limiting the number of children in a licensed facility and requiring a small child-to-adult ratio. Staff are the biggest expense, so providers must charge enough to pay staff wages and benefits and to maintain a safe care environment. Together, the labor movement and child care advocates are fighting for financial help for families, so that no family pays more than 7% of their income on child care. Contact your local union to find out how yo

Learn More at MachinistsInstitute.org/childcare

About us: The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council Child Care in the Trades Subcommittee brings together stakeholders from the trades that include workers, employers, and policy makers as well as workforce leaders, childcare workforce agencies, and advocates to create a more equitable and effective child care system for Washington’s skilled trades workers.