Last Updated: June 1, 2020
50% don’t have childcare currently.
Childcare is considered an essential business and service for front-line workers and uniquely vulnerable children. But not all families have access to their normal childcare support.
In Washington State, Governor Inslee has not required childcare facilities to close and has allowed in-home service providers (nannies, babysitters) to offer services if they are caring for essential workers during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, which ended on May 31.
It is up to each family to choose whether or not they feel comfortable taking their children into childcare or family-home centers, or having nannies and babysitters come into their home. As most of us are already doing and will need to continue to do for months to come, it's important to take every safety precaution available. Please see below for suggested safety precautions for in-home and out-of-home care.
In-home care is categorized as nanny or babysitter services.
Currently, nannies and babysitters are permitted to provide childcare services only if they are caring for children of essential workers. While the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is in place, parents have been encouraged to stay home with their children if they're able to do so by the State.
In-home nanny and babysitting service is part of Governor Inslee's Safe Start, Phase 2. While many counties have moved into Phase 2, some of Washington State's largest counties are not yet eligible to apply. In-home childcare services for non-essential workers cannot start until a family's county is in Phase 2.
For families who are essential workers and choose to have in-home care, the Department of Children, Youth and Families encourages childcare providers to follow the Department of Health's guidance on group size and social distancing. See the Department of Health's guidelines below.