Demand for child care skyrockets on day four of Seattle teacher’s strike

SEATTLE — Jefferson Community Center in Beacon Hill is one of eight facilities now providing relief for Seattle working families stretched thin during the teacher strike. Typically, the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department only provides after-school care, but now Seattle Public Schools children between the ages of five and 12 can show up at 9 a.m.

Jenni Conrad from Columbia City dropped her first-grader off at the community center Monday. She feels the district has promised resources online but has failed to deliver.

“I’m grateful for resources like this for families that don’t have the flexibility that we have,” said Conrad. “This is through the city, the district isn’t coordinating any of this.”

Seattle Public Schools has repeatedly declined interview requests from KIRO 7 TV. In an email, a spokesperson says SPS relies on partners to offer before- and after-school care. They also provided a link for parents looking for additional resources and information, click here.

Hillman City parent Lindsey Werkhoven says over the last four days, her kids have had too much screen time.

“I think a lot of parents are taking time off work,” said Werkhoven. “It feels like an extension of summer, you’re figuring out what to do with your kids all summer long.”

The community center is also one of nearly 50 Seattle locations where caregivers can grab free prepackaged meals. According to the mayor’s office, the school district is footing the bill for those. Volunteers will be giving out food between 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. each day throughout the strike.

According to the Boys and Girls Club of King County, enrollment in all-day child care has skyrocketed. Their Ballard location has gone from 175 SPS students enrolled to 230. Monday, the organization opened up a new center inside the Central District Rotary Club to accommodate more.

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