The Olympia School District (OSD) is leading an exciting new effort to reimagine early childhood support in our community. In partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, Olympia has been awarded a Child Care Partnership Grant (CCPG) to increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare. The project will examine the possibility of offering licensed child care in district facilities.
"Early Learning" refers to programming for children ages 0 to 5 that includes preschool, Pre-K, childcare centers, and home-based care. We are gathering information about all options in the community, not just those operated by the school district.
The timing is critical, as the childcare shortage is a growing challenge for many families in our community. To address this, the district is conducting a Community Needs and Capacity Assessment (CoNCA). This data-driven approach allows us to look under the hood of our community’s childcare situation and identify exactly where the gaps lie. Working alongside our community partners, including the Child Care Action Council (CCAC), South Sound Parent to Parent, and the City of Olympia, we will examine the needs of our families and child care providers to guide our path forward.
Information gathered from our CoNCA will be summarized and shared publicly in the summer of 2026. We are excited to hear from our community about this important topic!
Information for Families
This is your moment to shape the future of local childcare. We want to know exactly what kind of care you need. To capture these insights, the district is hosting two dedicated listening sessions where your voice will directly impact our planning. We want to understand the factors behind your childcare choices. Please complete this survey to ensure your voice is heard!
Family Listening Sessions Information:
- May 27, 2026, at 6 p.m.: Zoom Session
- June 3, 2026, at 6 p.m.: In-Person Session (111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, Room #202)
Information for Current and Prospective Child Care Providers
We are also working closely with the CCAC, which will act as a trusted partner to gather information through two dedicated provider listening sessions. This is a great chance to tell us how the district can best support your efforts and how we can effectively utilize district space together. With the support of South Sound Parent to Parent, we are also prioritizing inclusive practices to ensure all providers have the tools to serve every child in our community.
If you are a current or prospective childcare provider or an organization interested in expanding care, your professional perspective is essential. Please take a few minutes to complete our provider survey to help us understand your interest and what you need to be successful.
This grant-funded project is a commitment to our youngest learners and the families who support them. We invite you to join the conversation, complete the surveys, and help us understand how best to serve our community. For any questions or to learn more about how you can get involved, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Together, we can build a childcare system that truly serves the heart of the South Sound.
Child Care Provider Listening Sessions Information:
- May 27, 2026, at 1 p.m.: Zoom Session
- June 4, 2026, at 6 p.m.: Hybrid Session, In-Person and Zoom (111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, Room #202)
Quick Links & Resources:
- Questions? Email [email protected]
- Partners: Child Care Action Council, South Sound Parent to Parent, City of Olympia
- Grantor: Washington State Department of Commerce