Applications Now Open for $2.5M in Direct Payments to Seattle Childcare Workers
City of Seattle sustains wage equity investment for childcare workforce
The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is proud to announce open applications for $2.5 million in funding to support Seattle childcare workforce retention. In partnership with BrightSpark Early Learning Services, DEEL is awarding one-time payments with funds allocated from the Every Child Ready-Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) levy. This funding is intended to provide an economic boost to the educators who provide access to high-quality learning opportunities and care for children citywide. Eligible childcare providers located in Seattle can apply for this funding on behalf of their employees now through Wednesday, September 30.
“Seattle children and families rely on the dependable care of a highly skilled childcare workforce,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning. “These payments are critical for ensuring retention in this profession, which translates into the sustained availability of high-quality care for the communities we serve. We are proud of the excellent service our childcare workers provide, and grateful to them for their everyday commitment to the wellness and thriving of children throughout our city.”
Applications are available in English, Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Chinese, and Vietnamese. For guidance, applicants can refer to pre-recorded information sessions in English, Spanish and Somali. To learn more, please visit https://tinyurl.com/2026-deel-childcare-payments. Once applications have been processed, BrightSpark will distribute funding to eligible providers, who will make direct payments to their qualifying staff. DEEL and BrightSpark anticipate childcare employees will receive payments before the end of 2026. The specific payment amount per worker will be determined based on the number of eligible staff identified by employers who apply.
“Childcare workers are essential to our communities,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera, District 4, Chair of the Libraries, Education and Neighborhoods Committee. “They are caring for our future, and outside of family they are our children’s first educators. These funds are an expression of Seattle’s commitment to workers and the importance of childcare as a career pathway.”
In addition to acknowledging the vital contributions of childcare workers, and incentivizing worker retention, the City’s payments are intended to address persistent inequities in compensation and promote retention in the childcare profession. A recent study on the true costs of childcare in Seattle and King County identified a monthly gap of $1,800-$2,500 between current wages and a living wage for childcare professionals. The Washington State Child Care Collaborative Task Force identified that competitive, livable wages and benefits are associated with higher staff retention and higher program quality.
“As a working parent of a young child, I know firsthand the value of our early childhood educators,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “I also acknowledge that average wages in this profession fall short of the rising cost of living, and we must do better. I am proud to continue investing in direct payments to childcare workers who are essential for the many families who call Seattle home. To create a truly affordable city we must continue to invest in those who labor around the clock to care for our children.”
Childcare Workforce Payment Eligibility
- Center-based childcare programs and family childcare (FCC) providers located within the City of Seattle boundaries and licensed by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) are eligible to apply.
- The employer must submit the application on behalf of their staff. In the case of FCC providers, the licensee must apply.
- To qualify for the payment, individual staff named in the application must be an employee at the program and have a valid STARS ID since at least September 7, 2026, and continue to be employed by the eligible childcare program at the time the application is submitted.
- License exempt and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers are not eligible to apply.
- Programs located in unincorporated King County or cities other than Seattle are not eligible to apply.
The City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning’s mission is to transform the lives of Seattle children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education. www.seattle.gov/education
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