Notice: We are currently experiencing technical issues with our phone system. Please leave a voicemail, and we will return your call as soon as our system is restored. You may also reach us by email at [email protected]. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Facebook-f Linkedin-in Instagram Youtube
SMS or Email Preference
Facebook-f Linkedin-in Instagram Youtube

Boosting Support for Child Care Workers: The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot

Child care workers are the backbone of our communities, nurturing the youngest among us and helping families maintain a stable work-life balance. However, despite the essential nature of their work, child care workers are often among the lowest-paid professionals in our society. King County is working to change that through the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot.

King County Best Starts for Kids logo

What is the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot?

The Pilot is designed to increase the wages of child care workers in King County. This program aims to provide financial support to workers while improving worker retention and overall well-being. Funded by Best Starts for Kids, a voter-approved initiative, the Pilot will allocate $25 million to offer wage increases to eligible child care professionals through 2027. Through learnings and discovery, Best Starts for Kids hopes to inform a path forward for a sustainable child care sector with affordable, consistent care for families.

Why Does This Matter?

Child care is a critical service for families in King County, yet many of those providing care are underpaid. The history of the child care industry, often rooted in gender and racial inequality, has resulted in low wages, limited benefits, and high turnover. The Pilot seeks to address these systemic challenges and enhance the stability of the child care workforce. By providing additional income, the program hopes to retain skilled workers, reduce turnover, and elevate the quality of care for children.

Who Can Participate?

Most child care workers in King County will be eligible. Eligible workers may receive the wage boost if their facility applies for the wage boost and is selected via lottery to participate.

Facilities are eligible if they are:

  • Licensed child care centers and family home providers located in King County with a maximum licensed capacity of 175 children
  • Have at least one child enrolled
  • Are in good standing with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) 

Workers are eligible if they are:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
  • Provide direct care for children or essential operations within the facility and are marked as “other” in MERITWork an average of 10 hours per week or more

How Will It Work?

The program will follow a lottery-based selection process, ensuring fair representation of facilities across King County. Facilities must apply during the application window, February 10 – March 7, 2025. Once a facility is selected, eligible workers will be invited to enroll in the program.

How Much Money Will Workers Receive?

Selected participants working full-time (25+ hours/week) will receive $2,080 per quarter, while part-time workers (10-24 hours/week) will receive $1,040 per quarter. Payments will be disbursed on a quarterly basis, with the first payment starting as early as Spring 2025.

Will This Impact Taxes and Benefits?

Since these payments are considered taxable income, participants will receive a 1099 MISC form each tax year. Workers are encouraged to consult a tax professional to understand how the payments may impact their individual financial situation. Additionally, those receiving income-based benefits should review their eligibility with their benefits administrator.

Opportunities to Provide Feedback

The Pilot is a study that values the input of child care professionals, facility administrators, and families. Participants will have opportunities to provide feedback through surveys and focus groups. This feedback is crucial for refining the program and ensuring its success in supporting the child care workforce.

Technical Assistance

Imagine’s Technical Assistance team is available live between 8:00am and 6:00pm PT. Help is available over the phone, or by email, live chat, virtual 1:1 sessions, and in-person meetings. Our team is available to help you! Call 206-492-5249 or email us at [email protected].

The Best Starts Child Care Wage Boost Pilot

The Best Starts Wage Boost Pilot is an important step toward recognizing the hard work of child care professionals in King County. By increasing wages and improving job satisfaction, this program aims to strengthen the child care sector and create a healthier, more resilient community for all. For more information about the program and how to participate, visit BSKwageboost.imaginewa.org.

View this blog in alternate languages Using the links below:

Back to Blog