Child Care & Early Learning COVID-19 Updates: CCDF, Substitute Workers & Provider Webinar
Dear Child Care and Early Learning Providers,
More than a month after Governor Inslee announced statewide school closures and limited large gatherings of people in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, our child care community continues to come together to support our state’s children and their families. We are grateful to those answering the call to serve their communities even if it may be a struggle to remain open. This provider update includes information to help you continue with operations during this difficult time.
Child Care Development Fund Block Grant
Washington State has received one-time funds totaling $58 million to help stabilize the child care industry. We have heard from providers in a variety of ways about needs to provide supports during this time. Ideas include one-time grants for those that stay open or to help providers reopen, and stipends to meet social distancing guidelines. DCYF is developing recommendations in the next few weeks for expenditures that meet our goals of:
- Stabilizing the industry now and into the future
- Ensuring low-income families have access to care now and into the future
Substitute Pool
DCYF offers a substitute pool administered by The Imagine Institute that can help providers stay open during this pandemic. We recognize your contribution and want to make sure you and your children have what you need to stay safe and healthy. Providers can fill out an online request form or call 206-492-5249 to find substitutes to resolve staffing shortages. To become a substitute, click here.
Licensed child care facilities may have access to state subsidized substitutes. Licensed-exempt providers can request worker coverage, but will need to support the wages for their substitute. Please request a substitute at least two business days in advance to allow enough time to fulfill the request.
Regional Provider Information Webinars
On Monday, April 27, DCYF is hosting three identical webinars for child care providers, by region. This is an opportunity to hear updates from DCYF staff related to child care and the agency's COVID-19 response. Please register for one webinar. They are broken down by county, so please register for the webinar set up for your location. Use the following links to register:
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Regions 1 & 2: Monday, April 27 at 9 a.m. Register here.
- Counties: Okanogan, Perry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Whitman, Garfield, Asotin, Adams, Lincoln, Grant, Douglas, Chelan, Kittitas, Yakima, Klickitat, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia
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Regions 3 & 4: Monday, April 27 at 10:15 a.m. Register here.
- Counties: San Juan, Island, Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King
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Regions 5 & 6: Monday, April 27 at 11:30 a.m. Register here.
- Counties: Pierce, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Grays Harbor, Thurston, Pacific, Lewis, Skamania, Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum
Due to anticipated demand, we will record and post the webinars online.
Once again, thank you for everything you do for the children and families in our state. You are appreciated.
Continue to check our COVID-19 Updates webpages for guidance and answers to frequently asked questions. Submit COVID-19 questions or concerns to dcyf.covid-19@dcyf.wa.gov.
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