Machinist Institute unveils plans for Little Wing childcare center to support shift workers

Childcare access took center stage at the Everett City Council meeting on June 25, 2025, as Shauna Pesek, Executive Director of the Machinist Institute, presented a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of childcare options for shift workers in the community.

Pesek highlighted the urgent need for childcare solutions, particularly for those in the trades, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare sectors, where traditional childcare hours do not align with work schedules. "No matter how much money we can support and subsidize for individuals, if they can't find anything open, then it's still not a solution to their barrier," she stated, emphasizing the disconnect between financial assistance and actual availability of services.

The Machinist Institute is launching the Little Wing's Early Learning Academy, a childcare center designed to operate during nonstandard hours, including overnight care. This facility aims to serve nearly 500 children and will be open to the entire community, not just members of the institute. Pesek noted that the center will also focus on nature-based learning, catering to parents seeking shorter timeframes for their children’s care.

In addition to providing childcare, the initiative includes plans to support the childcare workforce through apprenticeship programs, ensuring that educators receive the training and compensation they deserve. "We are committed to providing apprenticeship pathways for our teachers so that they will have that same hands-on learning," Pesek explained.

The project is seen as a vital step towards not only supporting working families but also enhancing the local economy by ensuring that employers can retain and grow their workforce. As Pesek concluded, the initiative aims to change the trajectory of families and empower them to reinvest in their community, ultimately fostering a more robust and sustainable local economy.