Day: February 29, 2024

We are proud to share that U.S. Senator Patty Murray, lifelong advocate for child welfare and Early Childhood Education, visited the Everett Family YMCA. During her visit, Senator Murray learned about the role the Y, and our community partners, play in supporting working families through quality, accessible early learning.

“You’re looking at a former preschool teacher who is fighting to make every bit of progress possible to address the child care crisis in Snohomish County and all across our state,” said Senator Murray. “The bottom line is that we have a crisis on our hands. I hear nonstop from families—and from small business owners and so many others—about how child care isn’t just unaffordable, it’s also really hard to find.”

Murray discussed her continued efforts fighting to secure investments into child care at the federal level, as well as her work to secure $943,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the YMCA of Snohomish County to expand their child care programs as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 government spending bills. An estimated 80 percent of Snohomish county residents live in an extreme child care desert, and there are only 62 slots of child care for every 100 infants, toddlers, or preschoolers whose parents work, far below the state average of 79 slots per 100 children.

YMCA of Snohomish County serves thousands of children in school-age child care, early childhood education, and camp. Establishing additional early learning opportunities in Snohomish County is a cornerstone of our YMCA’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.

“We are proud of our legacy of service in Snohomish County and consider it a privilege to provide families with high-quality, affordable child care,” said Peyton Tune, President and CEO, YMCA of Snohomish County. “We are grateful for the attention and collaboration of Senator Murray and her focus on alleviating the challenges of working parents. We are committed to expanding access, so all children who need care can thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.”