Announcing the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot!
Dear Child Care Workers,
We are excited to introduce the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot.
The Imagine Institute is partnering with The Best Starts for Kids Initiative to design and co-administer an exciting new Pilot designed to support and uplift the essential work you do every day. This Pilot is a key step in increasing compensation for child care workers and creating a stable, thriving workforce in King County. Read on to learn more about the Pilot and how to participate!
What is the Best Starts Child Care Wage Boost Pilot?
The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot aims to improve the compensation of child care workers in licensed facilities throughout King County. The Pilot will provide additional quarterly compensation to workers at selected facilities. This Pilot will help retain skilled workers, enhance their well-being, and ensure the continuity of affordable care for the children and families you serve.
The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot is providing immediate investment to select workers to recognize their vital role in our community with the intention to gather evidence to inform how on-going government investments benefit the child care sector, workers, families, and the community.
Those who participate in the Pilot will receive quarterly payments during the duration of the Pilot:
- Full-Time Workers (25+ hours per week) will receive a quarterly wage boost of $2,080.
- Part-Time Workers (10-24 hours per week) will receive a quarterly wage boost of $1,040.
Who Can Participate?
Most child care workers in King County will be eligible. Eligible workers may receive the wage boost if their facility applies for the wage boost and is selected via lottery to participate.
Facilities are eligible if they are:
- Licensed child care centers and family home providers located in King County with a maximum licensed capacity of 175 children
- Have at least one child enrolled
- Are in good standing with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Workers are eligible if they are:
- At least 18 years old
- Have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Provide direct care for children or essential operations within the facility and are marked as “other” in MERIT
- Work an average of 10 hours per week or more
How Will it Work?
The program will follow a lottery-based selection process, ensuring fair representation of facilities across King County. Facilities must apply during the application window, February 10 – March 7, 2025. Once a facility is selected, eligible workers will be invited to enroll in the Pilot.
To prepare for enrollment ensure your MERIT profile is up to date!
What if My Facility is Selected?
Workers at selected facilities will receive an email invitation to enroll in the Pilot. Complete the Enrollment Form to participate.
Once you are enrolled:
- You will receive quarterly payments starting Spring of 2025 and continuing through 2027 as long as the minimum eligibility is maintained.
- To maintain participation, you must submit a quarterly update to verify your hours and job role to confirm on-going eligibility.
- You can choose to end participation at any time during the Pilot if your circumstances change.
Keeping Your Benefits Secure
The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot is considered taxable income and participants will receive a 1099 for each tax year that they are receiving income from the Pilot. The Imagine Institute will assist participants by offering basic benefits counseling and providing resources and materials to help answer common questions, including those related to taxes. While The Imagine Institute aims to support workers with accessible information, it is strongly recommended that participants consult with their tax preparer or financial advisor for personalized advice tailored to their unique financial situation.
Technical Assistance
The Imagine Institute is providing technical assistance to facilities to support the application process. Technical Assistance in preferred languages is available live by phone, through informational sessions, one-on-one sessions, and in-person if necessary. A technical assistant is available to provide support starting from the application process and ongoing throughout the duration of the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot.
If you have any questions about your benefits or participation, reach out to your facility representative or our Technical Assistance team!
Stay Informed & Connected
Mark Your Calendar
- Application Window for Facilities: February 10 – March 7, 2025
- First Wage Boost Disbursement: as early as Spring 2025
Thank You for all You Do!
We appreciate your dedication to supporting our community’s youngest learners and their families. The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot is here to support you, just as you support those in your care every day.
For updates, resources, and answers to common questions, visit BSKWageBoost.imaginewa.org or contact us at [email protected].
VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER IN ALTERNATE LANGUAGES USING THE LINKS BELOW:
الإعلان عن برنامج “أفضل البدايات للأطفال” لدعم أجور مقدمي رعاية الأطفال!
Yaalii Fooyya’iinsa Mindaa Kunuunsa Daa’immanii Jalqaba gaarii beeksisuu!
Ku Dhawaaqida Bilawga Ugu Wanaagsan ee tijaabada Kordhinta Mushaharka Daryeelka Ilmaha!
Thông báo về Chương Trình Thí Điểm Nâng Cao Thu Nhập Best Starts for Kids!
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