This article was originally published in Washington State Standard.
Starting next month, eligible families across Washington will gain access to new state support to help cover child care costs.
The expanded assistance will be available under a state law approved earlier this year and will be open to families enrolled in subsidized state child care programs for children under 3 and to staff at state-run preschools to cover care costs for their own kids.
Washington’s programs for infants to 3-year-olds provide full-day care for eligible children paid for by the state or federal government.
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These programs often serve the lowest-income families in Washington and offer extensive parent education and family support, including access to mental health services and employment resources.
Starting Nov. 1, enrollment in those support services can count as an eligible work activity toward receiving Working Connections Child Care program subsidies.