A new survey released by Rural Resources Community Action (RRCA) reveals a sobering reality for families across Eastern Washington’s Tri-County area: access to adequate childcare is slipping out of reach for the majority of parents in Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties.

According to the 2024 survey, funded by the Childcare Partnership Grant, families are feeling the crunch:

• 71% of families in Stevens County reported inadequate childcare access. See more Stevens County stats here.
• 66% in Ferry County said the same. See more Ferry County stats here.
• 55% of Pend Oreille County families also struggle to find care. See more Pend Oreille County stats here.

For most, the consequences are immediate and personal. Parents are forced to miss work, cut hours, or step away from employment altogether to care for their children. The need is especially acute for before- and after-school care, followed closely by full-daycare services and summer programs — gaps that make it nearly impossible for working families to maintain employment and stability.

“This is not just a family issue — it’s a community issue,” said Brandi Armstrong, RRCA’s Director of Early Childhood Education. “When parents can’t find or afford safe and consistent childcare, everyone feels the impact — from businesses facing staffing shortages to children missing out on early learning opportunities.”

The ripple effects are undeniable: reduced workforce participation, economic stagnation, and missed early development milestones for kids. It’s a systemic issue demanding community-wide solutions.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the shortage requires a multi-pronged approach. RRCA recommends:

• Businesses consider offering on-site childcare or providing childcare stipends.
• Community members volunteer at local childcare centers to help fill staffing gaps.
• Interested individuals become licensed childcare providers — a vital step to expanding regional capacity.

Those looking to make a difference can find more information and resources about becoming a childcare provider here, or by reaching out to Olivia Beardslee at 509-685-6112.

This survey serves as a wake-up call: solving the childcare crisis in the Tri-County area won’t be easy, but with coordinated action, it is possible. The future of local families, as well as the health of the broader community, depends on it.