K-20 Network Support

Last month, community leaders gathered at ESD 112 for a regional conversation about access to affordable, high-quality child care.

Representative Monica Stonier, Representative Kevin Waters and Senator Adrian Cortes discussed child care access, affordability challenges and potential solutions. The event was facilitated by ESD 112 Executive Director of Early Care & Education Jodi Wall, Executive Director at Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) Debbie Ham and ReadyNation Washington State Director Kristin Wiggins.

The report identifies Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum and King counties as having some of the state’s greatest challenges with child care availability.

“We brought this group together because child care affects so many parts of our community. It’s important to look at the data, hear what families and employers are seeing locally, and talk about what we can do together to make child care more accessible,” said Wall.

ESD 112 looks forward to continuing to collaborate with policymakers and local leaders to identify solutions that support children, families and the Southwest Washington workforce. Read more: www.esd112.org/news/regional-leaders-address-impact-of-child-care-on-families-workforce-and-the-economy/