Child Care Partnership Grant (CCPG)

Geographic Scope: Mason County, WA

Focus Areas:

• Development of local strategic plans to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare
• Addressing childcare access gaps
• Strategic planning and innovative solutions
• Development of additional childcare slots

Background & Need:

• Childcare Shortage: Number of available childcare slots in Mason County is declining while demand continues to grow
• ALICE Population: 26% of Mason County households fall within Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population; additional 9% living below federal poverty level
• Vulnerable Populations: Nearly 50% of Hispanic households and 75% of American Indian households living below ALICE threshold; 70% of single-female-headed households with children fall below ALICE threshold
• Childcare Costs: Range from $738 to more than $1,600 per month, representing significant financial burden for working families
• Public Health Priority: Childcare supports healthy families and resilient communities

Eligibility: Economic development organizations and community partners (awarded to Mason County Economic Development Council in partnership with Mason Matters)

Key Components:

• Inclusive engagement process reflecting diversity of Mason County
• Equity focus for outreach
• Community partnership approach
• Strategic planning to design solutions meeting real community needs

Outreach: Public participation opportunities began fall 2025

Contact:

• Name: Kevin Shutty, Executive Director (MasonEDC) or Julie Knott, Executive Director (Mason Matters)
• Phone: 360-426-2276
• Organization: Economic Development Council of Mason County