Lilac City Early Learning Center

The Spokane Journal of Business recently published an article highlighting insights from the State of the Children in Spokane report—and it’s one we’re glad to have contributed to.

The article lifts up both the strengths of our community and the very real challenges families with young children are facing, especially around access to early learning, housing stability, and overall family well-being. These aren’t just data points—they reflect what we see and experience alongside families every day at Lilac City ELC.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to read the article—and if it resonates, share it and tell your legislators how important it is to maintain strong funding for early learning this legislative session. Supporting children early supports Spokane’s future.

👉 https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/17806-the-state-of-the-children-in-spokane

Spokane area's child care crisis costs employers The need for more childcare facilities and providers in Spokane County is straightforward: the region is characterized by a lack of access to child care, affordability, and a need for centers that offer nontraditional hours to accommodate the region’s shift workers.

🚨 HEAD START UNDER THREAT – TAKE ACTION NOW 🚨

According to USA Today, the Trump Administration’s draft 2026 budget includes the complete elimination of Head Start—a program that has transformed the lives of children and families for over 60 years.

This is not just a policy issue—it’s personal. Lilac City Early Learning Center is an Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership site. This critical funding helps pay staff wages and benefits and allows us to maintain the low staff-to-child ratios that ensure quality care for infants and toddlers.

🛑 Without this funding, our ability to serve families would be deeply impacted.

Congress has the final say—we need to flood their inboxes with support for Head Start. It takes less than a minute:
👉 https://wsaheadstarteceap.quorum.us/campaign/119526/

Please share and stand with us to protect Head Start. 💜

Head Start Elimination Proposed – Take Action! Head Start Elimination Proposed – Take Action!

So thankful for the hard work of Washington Childcare Centers Association and providers across the state to bring meaningful solutions for our workforce!

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 We're thrilled to announce that House Bill 1648 has passed the House of Representatives with a unanimous 97-0 vote! 🙌 This remarkable achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts put into this bill, and we're deeply grateful for the unwavering support of its main sponsor, Representative Tom Dent, and Co-sponsor, Representative Carolyn Eslick, who are both champions of our work and the childcare industry. If you have a minute to watch the attached video of Rep. Tom Dent speaking about the bill and send an email of thanks, please do so! I've also included their email addresses: [email protected] [email protected].