Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (Position 8, Citywide), Chair of the Finance and Housing Committee, was awarded the Ruth Kagi Award for Excellence in Early Learning Advocacy for her work in 2020. The award, given by Child Care Resources, honors elected officials who show a devotion of time, agenda, and effort to championing the educational needs of our youngest citizens.
The Child Care Resources Advocacy Committee selected Mosqueda recognizing her work in increasing direct spending toward critical childcare and equity programs through the JumpStart Seattle progressive revenue tax. The JumpStart progressive revenue tax earmarked $3.6 million for childcare providers in the first year as part of its COVID relief spending plan, which is critical to allow for Seattle small businesses and workers to come back to work and ensure their kiddos are safe.
“Prior to this pandemic, thousands of Seattle families struggled to find accessible and affordable childcare. The coronavirus crisis has exacerbated the problem and widened inequities; resulting in fewer childcare options post-pandemic, and the ensuing gender and racial inequities that face many BIPOC women as they return to work. Providing stopgap funding for our City’s childcare sites is just one piece of the puzzle and early and accessible vaccination, increased and culturally competent childcare options, and worksite policies supporting return-to-work options for Seattle families are important next steps. Affordable and accessible childcare are the linchpin of equity for families and kiddos and a speedy economic recovery,” said Mosqueda.
Child Care Resources thanked Mosqueda for her “tireless work to create new progressive revenue and direct spending toward critical child care and equity programs is a noteworthy milestone in the journey toward a full and just child care infrastructure in our region.”
Ordinarily, the award is presented at CCR’s annual benefit luncheon, but due to the pandemic and shift to virtual events, Phoebe Sade Anderson, CEO of Child Care Resources, hand delivered the award to Councilmember Mosqueda’s home.
The award is a hand-painted, sea creature rocking chair with a plaque-engraved quote that reads “Children are welcome in all spaces,” A reminder that children are the heart and future of our communities.
About Child Care Resources
Since 1990, Child Care Resources has been working with families, caregivers, early learning professionals, and community partners to ensure that every child has a great start in school and in life. We are a trusted resource for families seeking child care across Washington State, helping more than 18,000 families each year explore their early learning options and make informed decisions. Through coaching and professional development, we help more than 2,300 child care professionals annually in King and Pierce Counties develop and improve the quality of their care for all children.
