Feasibility study shows how to turn the childcare desert to into an oasis

DAYTON—A 2020“Washington Child Care Industry Assessment” sponsored by the Washington Department of Commerce characterizes Walla Walla and Columbia counties as childcare “deserts.” This means 96-percent of families in Columbia County and 18-percent of families in Walla Walla counties do not have the childcare they need. In 2020-21 three in-home providers in Columbia County closed their doors, pushing the county into a childcare crisis.

The issues for parents who seek care for their children are many, including long waiting lists and wait periods, high costs, and the inability to find childcare...