Grays Harbor County

Child Care Resource & Referral

For parents seeking child care, especially the first time, knowledge really IS power. Child Care Action Council's goal is to provide accurate information about child care options, child care availability, licensing regulations, financial assistance programs and more, so you can make an informed decision in choosing quality child care.

 

To request a search of licensed home and child care centers in Grays Harbor County by phone call 360.754.0810 or 800.845.0956, click here to request a child care search by email or click here to conduct an online search.

In 2009, 176 families received referrals. Over two-thirds (68%) of the families served were low income. Slightly fewer (63%) of the families were headed by
single parents.

 

Block Fest

An interactive exhibit providing families with young children ages 8 months to 8 years a rich, hands-on math and science learning opportunity. Block Fest has been shown to increase parent knowledge of early development in the areas of math and science education, while providing opportunities to increase social skills and literacy opportunities for young children. The importance of young children developing basic abilities in literacy and numeracy in the early years is recognized globally. As an award winning and research- based program, BLOCKFest offers the opportunity for parents to help their children become math and science thinkers. Click here to see Block Fest featuered on King Five's Learning for Life series. For more informaiton go to www.blockfestwa.org.

Professional Development

The Child Care Action Council provides state-mandated training for providers. In 2009, the CCR&R offered 177 trainings for the workforce in the region. Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals is a scholarship program that provides financial support for centers and school age staff and family child care providers to obtain higher education degrees and credentials in early childhood education. In 2010, 4 scholarships were awarded in the county.

 

Child Care Action Council's goal is to provide services and classes designed to support the important work you do with young children. CCAC offers a wide range of training opportunities to support caregivers and build the quality of care in the community. Click here to download CCAC's current newsletter.

 

Click here for Child Care Action Council's online registration system. Call Nancy at x100 with questions or to register over the telephone. If no one is available to take your call, leave your name, phone number, class title and date. Please note: advance payment is required.

 

Provider Consultation & Technial Assistance

CCAC offers free consultation on many topics including child guidance, circle time, parent communication, working with children’s special needs and administration. A consultant can also help you prepare for a licensing visit. Click here for more information or to schedule a visit from a consultant who can help you meet your individual needs and goals.

 

In-Service Training

CCAC Trainer comes to your center to offer STARS classes designed for your staff. Contact Sheryl at 360.786.8907 x104 or sheryl@ccacwa.org to request a topic from our training calendars or to discuss other potential topics. These are designed to meet the needs of your center. Not only is it convenient, but when you host a class for 10 or more, two of your staff are trained free

 

Child Care Inclusion

Welcoming children with disabilities into child care settings, includes monthly Cohort meetings and STARS trainings as well as consultation on providing care for children with special needs. Click here for more information about this program.

 

People

Population: 71,200
Children under 5 years: 4,296
% of Children under 18 living in poverty: 22%
Average number children on child care subsidy: 1,180/month
Head Start/ECEAP Slots: 173

 

Economics

Living Wage*: $44,100/yr
Median Household Income: $38,905/yr
Unemployment Rate: 12.6%

 

*The living wage measure is based on a family of four and represents twice the federal poverty level income. Twice the federal poverty level is the income cut off for families receiving child care subsidies.

 

Cost of Child Care

The cost of full time care for an infant represents 18% of the county’s 2009 median household income. Care for an infant and a preschool child would represent 33% to 34% of the median income, which exceeds the cost of tuition for one student at a 4-year public university.

 

Families Using R&R Services

In 2009, 176 families received referrals. Over two-thirds (68%) of the families served were low income. Slightly fewer (63%) of the families were headed by single parents.

 

How many providers are there in Grays Harbor County

Family child care (FCC) businesses account for about 68% of the 62 licensed facilities in Grays Harbor County. In the past five years, the overall number of licensed facilities has declined by 23, or 27%.

 

What languages are spoken?

All providers in the community speak English, and 16% report having staff who speak Spanish. One provider reports speaking another language.

 

How much does child care cost in my community?

Countywide, the annual median household income in 2009 was $38,905. The
tables below indicate the annual median price of full-time care for one child by
age group and type of care. The median price indicates that half the providers
in the area charge more and half charge less than the prices quoted here.

 

Centers   Infant Toddler Preschool School Age	2009 Median Annual Cost for 1 Child $7,176 $6,340 $5,720 $3,120	% of 2009 Median Household Income 18% 16% 15% 8%
Family Child Care   Infant Toddler Preschool School Age	2009 Median Annual Cost for 1 Child $7,017 $6,100 $6,100 $2,899	% of 2009 Median Household Income 18% 16% 16% 7%
Four Year Public University Student at WSU	2009 Annual Cost for 1 Student $11,700	% of 2009 Median Household Income 30%

 

The cost of full time care for an infant represents 18% of the county’s 2009 median household income. Care for an infant and a preschool child would represent 33% to 34% of the median income, which exceeds the cost of tuition for one student at a 4-year public university.