Forum: Funding for childcare, education helps kids and parents

Published 1:30 am Saturday, March 1, 2025

By Hanh Lee / Herald Forum

I am a Parent Ambassador for Childcare wtih the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, president of Head Start at an elementary school in King County and the co-chair of the Puget Sound Educational Service District. I want to advocate for childcare so more families can qualify for ECEAP and Head Start. I want to share my story.

In 2023, Washington lost more than $6 billion in economic growth due to the lack of child care statewide. More than 30 percent of surveyed parents reported quitting their jobs or being fired after having children. Washington now ranks as the 11th least affordable state for childcare.

As a parent, I have personally experienced the challenges reflected in these findings. This is why I am deeply committed to advocating for education. As co-chair of the Puget Sound Educational Service District and a Parent Ambassador, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that parents like me do not continue to struggle.

Many — especially single parents — are particularly vulnerable in these situations, as they often rely on day care to care for their children while they work. They have suffered tremendously just to meet basic expenses. It is even more difficult for them as they are often the sole providers for their families. Without stable day care, they are forced to make an impossible choice between paying for childcare or leaving their jobs.

This crisis also impacts business owners. Many parents operate small businesses, and without secure childcare options, they are forced to shut down, resulting in economic instability, higher absenteeism, and lower productivity. Across Snohomish County and the entire state, families are left scrambling for temporary or inadequate solutions, putting both their livelihoods and their children’s well-being at risk.

I encourage everyone to contact their local and state representatives to share their stories and advocate for increased state and federal funding for childcare and education. This issue demands immediate attention if we want to support families, strengthen our economy, and ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.

Hanh Le is a parent living in Everett.