Snohomish County leaders hear childcare providers on staffing, space and zoning hurdles

Snohomish County Council members heard March 18 from local childcare providers that recruiting qualified staff, limited licensed space, and zoning and permitting delays are constraining access to early learning and childcare across the county.

Providers told the council the shortages have left hundreds of children on wait lists, pushed operating costs higher and put pressure on families and small family-home providers. The council is considering a zoning ordinance for unincorporated areas at an upcoming meeting; panelists asked the county to factor provider feedback into that process.

Marcy Wilmer, chief operating officer of Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, said one of the sector's chief problems is hiring and retaining staff when licensing qualifications, pay and competing K–12 wages diverge. “I would personally rather have my kids with someone who's been doing childcare for 20 years versus someone that just came out of college and has a 4 year degree in early childhood education,” Wilmer said, arguing for greater recognition of on‑the‑job experience and more training funding.

Patsy Kedebac…