COVID Resources for DEEL Providers
The Department of Early Learning would like to thank all preschool and child care partners who have adapted classrooms and programs to continue serving children and families during COVID-19. You are among our community's greatest heroes during this unprecedented challenge our City is facing.
In addition to the resources below, we invite providers to visit the City of Seattle's COVID-19 Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits page for a list of resources available during the coronavirus crisis.
Provider FAQ
No, there is no mandate for child care facilities to stay open. Governor Inslee designated child care businesses and workers as essential and exempt from the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order; however, child care providers are not under a mandate to stay open or to close.
Because child care providers are independent business owners, decisions such as a voluntary closure during a health outbreak are decisions each facility makes on their own. DEEL is encouraging child care administrators to make these decisions in consideration of the latest information and recommendations distributed from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Public Health - Seattle & King County (PHSKC).
Childcare facilities operating under COVID-19 have been given new guidelines by Public Health - Seattle & King County and Washington Department of Health. These include guidelines for smaller group sizes, social distancing, daily health screenings, and increased frequency of sanitizing and disinfecting, among other health and safety measures. Public Health - Seattle & King County has weekly virtual calls available for child care providers under their PHSKC Child Care Health program. For information on how to join these calls, contact the PHSKC Child Care Health program.
Please see guidelines from Public Health - Seattle & King County on how to respond to a positive COVID-19 case at your facility.
Please visit the City of Seattle's Small Business and Nonprofit Support page for COVID-19 resources that may be available to you.
Families may be directed to the following resources:
- City of Seattle's COVID-19 resource page
- Call 2-1-1 for assistance
- Apply for benefits through Washington State at washingtonconnection.org.
Interpreter services are available.
To learn about becoming a CCAP provider, please call the Department of Education and Early Learning at (206) 386-1050 or email CCAP_ProviderHelp@seattle.gov.