Early Childhood Learning Is Crucial for Brain Development and Vital to Long-term Achievement

Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops by age five. Access to quality childcare directly supports early learning, helping children enter kindergarten ready to succeed in their K-12 academic journey.

Affordable, reliable childcare enables families to maintain consistent work schedules while ensuring their children receive intensive foundational experiences. In Burien, preparing children for long-term academic success requires both expanding childcare supply and supporting providers through resources, mentorship, and technical assistance.

Proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport makes after-hours childcare particularly important. Families working early or late shifts require services that accommodate nontraditional schedules. Meeting these needs strengthens workforce stability, supports economic growth, and reinforces Burien’s commitment to a thriving, family-centered community.

Pandemic Impacts on Childcare Supply

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped the childcare landscape across Washington. Temporary closures, permanent shutdowns, and retirements among experienced providers reduced overall capacity. Many facilities struggled to maintain operations due to health requirements, staffing shortages, and rising costs.

As the state continues to recover, supply gaps persist. Families are facing longer waitlists and limited options, while businesses experience disruptions to their workforce. Expanding access requires both new providers and support for existing ones to scale safely and effectively. Burien recognizes this challenge and prioritizes strategic investments in childcare infrastructure, mentorship programs, and funding to rebuild a resilient and sustainable childcare network.

Childcare is a Business Issue and a Burien Priority

Investing in childcare strengthens the local economy. Employers experience reduced absenteeism and turnover when employees have dependable childcare. Data shows that 58 percent of working parents have considered changing jobs due to childcare challenges, and 83 percent report that childcare benefits increase their loyalty to their employers.

Childcare is essential infrastructure. Parents who are unable to access reliable services often scale back their hours, leave the workforce, or decline promotions, thereby shrinking labor pools and negatively impacting business productivity. In 2023, Washington lost $6.9 billion in wages, workdays, and productivity due to childcare disruptions, according to Child Care Aware of Washington. Supporting childcare strengthens Burien’s workforce, enhances economic stability, and positions the city to remain competitive for talent and businesses.

Supporting Existing Childcare Providers as Small Business Anchors

Opening a childcare business requires careful planning, obtaining the necessary licenses, and investing a significant amount of capital. Burien’s existing providers may have the capacity to grow, but often need technical guidance and funding to expand. The City of Burien will use $250,000 from the American Rescue Plan funds to support new childcare options, partnering with The Imagine Institute to launch up to nine new home-based childcare providers.

The Imagine U program is a 10-month incubator. Experienced childcare mentors guide prospective providers through licensing, hands-on learning, and program development. Graduates enroll children who receive state subsidies, increasing access to affordable care for families.

New cohorts begin in September. Burien Economic Development offers guidance for both home-based and center-based childcare startups, assisting providers in navigating licensing, permitting, and expansion.

Take Action to Expand Childcare in Burien

Families, entrepreneurs, and existing providers can contact Burien Economic Development to explore resources for opening or expanding their childcare services. Take the next step to strengthen early learning and support workforce stability in Burien.