Seattle expands childcare assistance program benefiting nearly 2000 children since 2019

Seattle's Select Committee on Families, Education, Preschool & Promise (FEPP) Levy convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss critical childcare and educational support initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of families across the city. A key highlight from the meeting was the ongoing success of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which has provided vital financial relief to nearly 2,000 children since its inception in 2019.

The CCAP, designed for income-eligible families not covered by state or county subsidies, allows families earning up to 94% of the state median income—approximately $123,000 for a family of four—to access affordable childcare. This program has proven essential, as childcare costs often surpass housing expenses for many Seattle families. On average, participating families save about $7,500 annually, enabling them to engage more fully in the workforce.

In 2025, the program supports over 700 children from more than 500 families, with 263 childcare providers participating citywide. Notably, 75 of these providers offer evening or 24-hour care, addressing the needs of families with nontraditional work hours. Despite the availability of state and county programs, the city recognizes a persistent demand for additional support for low and middle-income families, highlighting the importance of the CCAP in filling this gap.

The meeting also emphasized the significance of the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP), which provides high-quality, tuition-free or affordable preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Since its launch in 2015, SPP has served over 7,200 children, equipping them with essential skills for kindergarten and beyond. The program has consistently maintained an enrollment rate above 90%, with over 90% of families expressing satisfaction with their experience.

As the city continues to invest in early childhood education, the committee noted the importance of adapting to families' needs, including the demand for extended service hours and year-round programming. The lessons learned from these initiatives will guide future efforts to ensure that all Seattle families have access to the resources they need for their children's success.

The discussions at the FEPP Levy meeting underscore the city's commitment to supporting families through targeted childcare and educational programs, paving the way for a brighter future for Seattle's children.