Report: Childcare Impacts on Skagit Employers

Lack of access to early learning and childcare is a significant issue in Skagit County, the state, and country. Only 14.8% of the childcare and early learning need (infants to 12 years old) is met in Skagit County, according to the State Department of Children, Youth and Families. Alarmingly, Skagit County ranks second to last in the state for childcare cost as a share of median household income at 21.9%. 

Childcare and early learning may be too expensive and sparse in Skagit County, according to this data.

From an economic development perspective, childcare is an urgent workforce issue. A lack of access to early learning and childcare reduces workforce participation as many parents, especially mothers, reduce work hours or leave employment entirely. This creates a limited talent pool and increased recruitment costs for businesses. Productivity suffers due to absenteeism and reduced focus from employees concerned about their children's care. Additionally, companies face financial strain in providing childcare benefits to retain employees. Long-term, this lack of access contributes to future skills gaps and weakens economic growth by limiting full workforce participation and economic contribution.

For over a year, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) has worked with partners to address childcare’s impact on the workforce. Partners included the Center for Retention and Expansion of Child Care, which works to sustain, strengthen and grow childcare; and the State Department of Commerce’s Family-Friendly Workplaces Program, which provides technical assistance supporting employers in becoming family-friendly. EDASC also partners with the Northwest Educational Service District 189 and the Northwest Career and Technical Academy on early learning initiatives.

EDASC conducted a survey during the summer of 2024 to assess the impact childcare challenges have on local businesses. This survey aimed to understand how these challenges influence workforce dynamics and retention, as well as employer readiness to implement supportive family-friendly workplace policies and benefits. 

Key findings included 42% of employers surveyed said it affected retention and hiring, and 79% said it affected tardiness, absenteeism, and caused distractions. 

The Summary Report: Childcare Impacts on Skagit Employers Survey Results provides details from the survey as well as offering recommendations for future action steps. 

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