Everett Community College To Keep Early Learning Center Open With Help From Snohomish County

News that a lot of folks were hoping for just came in from Everett Community College…

Everett Community College’s Early Learning Center will remain open and operated by the college, thanks to ongoing financial support from Snohomish County.

EvCC had announced plans in November 2021 to find an outside partner to operate the Early Learning Center, which provides care and educational opportunities for infants and children up to age 5. Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers stepped forward to offer funding for the long-term sustainability of the ELC.

“We are grateful for Snohomish County’s investment in our youngest learners and for the county’s ongoing support for our outstanding Early Learning Center staff,” said EvCC Interim President Darrell L. Cain.

Cain, who started at EvCC 16 days ago, worked with Somers to reach an agreement that allows the college to keep the ELC open for 2022-23. The college and the county will work together to plan for future years.

“Getting people back to work is a key goal of our economic recovery efforts and ensuring families have access to quality childcare with early learning is critical to this mission. I am proud to partner with Everett Community College and the Snohomish County Council to keep the Early Learning Center open and accessible,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Snohomish County is built on a foundation of partnership to help our families thrive and make sure our littlest learners get off to a strong start.”

The partnership addresses the financial needs of the ELC, which had accrued a $700,000 deficit in the 5 years prior to the pandemic. County funding will include up to $140,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act for 2022-23. The remaining $60,000 in annual operating costs will be covered by funding from the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA), which are Sound Transit-related funds earmarked to improve educational outcomes in early learning, K-12 and postsecondary education.

The ELC provides on-campus, licensed childcare for student parents, college employees and community families. Families can choose to enroll quarterly or for the academic year, with the option of full days Monday through Friday or Monday through Thursday. Current Everett Community College students who are enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits receive priority enrollment and a reduced rate.

Based on income, children may also be eligible for free preschool through ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program). The ELC is one of 26 sites in Snohomish County offering ECEAP.

For more information about the ELC, visit EverettCC.edu/ELC, call 425-388-9121 or email elc@everettcc.edu.