Child care is an essential component of a strong and supported workforce. A small licensed family child care home with 8 children can help enable each of those parents to find or keep a job, providing the necessary workforce for local businesses and generating additional earned income, which ripples out in expanded economic growth. A staggering 80% of Humboldt’s working families struggle to find licensed childcare—and that was before the pandemic.
In March of 2020, roughly one-third of available child care facilities in Humboldt County closed, with six percent of child care facilities closing permanently. Between a higher rate of staff turnover and decreased capacity, our already weakened child care system is currently facing an unprecedented crisis.
In the spring of 2022, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to allocate $4.86 million of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) funding to support our child care industry. Arcata Economic Development Corporation and the County of Humboldt, in partnership with the Humboldt Child Care Task Force, are proud to announce the Child Care Stabilization Fund, a variety of programs designed to provide immediate business support, long-term stabilization, and the financial support needed to grow a healthier child care system.
Learn more at the Humboldt Child Care Stabilization web page.
Partner Organizations
Humboldt County Administrative Office - Economic Development
This is one of the flagship efforts taken by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to support the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the height of the emergency, the Humboldt County Administrative Office’s Economic Development Division worked closely with local businesses, who identified the critical role that child care plays in supporting our workforce across all industries.
Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)
AEDC is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities join the economic mainstream. AEDC provides loans and support to entrepreneurial, innovative business and community endeavors.
Changing Tides Family Services
Changing Tides is a resource and referral agency that provides families with information about available child care providers in the community and training and resources for child care providers. Changing Tides maintains a comprehensive database of child care providers, and also assists families to access subsidized child care, mental health services, and respite care services.
First 5 Humboldt
First 5 Humboldt aims to create an integrated support system for families of children in their first five years of life. They provide support and information through playgroups, early childhood education opportunities, and health initiatives.
Humboldt County Office of Education Local Child Care Planning Council
The Local Child Care Planning Council assesses, plans, and promotes quality, accessible, affordable child care and development services that reflect the diverse needs of families throughout Humboldt County. As part of the Humboldt County Office of Education, they complete a needs assessment every 5 years to set priorities for the allocation of state funding for child care