Newsroom

Date: September 22nd, 2025

Over the past three years, the Spokane Workforce Council’s Reconnect2Work Childcare Impact Project has been a vital support system for families in our community. Dually funded through an ARPA grant from Spokane County and a congressionally directed spending allocation from Senator Patty Murray, this initiative helped parents remain connected to the workforce by removing one of the greatest barriers they face – the high cost of childcare.

Our Impact at a Glance:

· 1,032 families met with our childcare navigator to receive individualized support.

· 469 families were able to access tuition assistance, helping them afford quality childcare while they worked, trained, or went to school.

· A total of $3,280,328 in childcare tuition was invested back into the Spokane community.

These numbers represent more than just financial support – they reflect the security of knowing children had a safe, nurturing place to grow while their parents could focus on building sustainable careers.

Looking Forward: Supporting Early Learning Professionals

While funding for the tuition assistance portion of the initiative has come to a close, the Spokane Workforce Council’s commitment to childcare is not ending – it is evolving. Thanks to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the City of Spokane, our focus is shifting toward strengthening the childcare workforce itself.

We will continue to provide training and professional development for early learning professionals, helping current and aspiring providers gain the skills, credentials, and support they need to succeed in this critical field. By investing in the workforce behind childcare, we ensure that Spokane families will continue to have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality options.

Why Childcare Matters for Our Workforce

From a workforce perspective, childcare is not just a family issue – it is an economic imperative. Employers across Spokane struggle with recruitment and retention when parents cannot find or afford reliable childcare. Families face difficult choices between earning a paycheck and caring for their children. And our economy loses out when talented workers are forced to step back from their careers due to these barriers.

By supporting families directly through tuition assistance and now by building the capacity of early learning professionals, the Spokane Workforce Council continues to address childcare as a key workforce strategy. Strong childcare systems mean stronger businesses, a more resilient economy, and a healthier community overall.

Behind the Numbers: Real Families, Real Impact

While the numbers show the scope of the Reconnect2Work Childcare Impact Project, the most powerful measure of success comes from the families themselves. Behind every dollar invested was a parent who could keep a job, a student who could continue school, or a family who finally had room to breathe.

One parent shared

“Receiving this grant allowed me to save on childcare costs and focus on other important bills. It made a real difference for my family’s financial well-being.” Another added, “If it wasn’t for this program I would’ve had to quit working. Instead, I could continue to provide for my family.”

The program also opened doors for parents pursuing education and career advancement. As one participant explained, “I was able to keep taking classes for my healthcare program because childcare was covered. Without this help, I would have had to put school on hold.”

For many, the support was described as life-changing. One family reflected, “This assistance has been life changing for my family. I cannot imagine where we would be without it.” Another said simply, “This program is a life saver. There are not enough words to express our gratitude.”

These voices remind us that childcare is more than a line item in a family budget – it is the foundation that allows parents to thrive in the workforce and children to thrive in their earliest years.