For years, aerospace leaders, parents and aerospace workers across Washington State have recognized the need for expanded childcare to better serve our communities. Two recent developments will help to ease the burden of parents that work irregular hours and student parents pursuing aerospace-related degrees.
SPEEA, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, in partnership with the Washington State Achievement Council, is introducing a childcare assistance grant to support student parents working towards aerospace degrees. Students can access up to $5,000 per year for one or more dependent children in need of childcare.
Participating institutions include 12 of Washington’s Community and Technical Colleges. Find more details, including information on awards and how to apply, at the Washington Student Achievement Council.
Coming in 2026, the Little Wings Early Learning Academy will serve workers whose hours—early mornings, or at night—are irregular or not usually covered by childcare centers. The Machinists Institute, in partnership with IAM District 751 and assisted with public dollars, will open their doors next year near Paine Field.
As State Representative Mary Fosse said at the groundbreaking, “We’re not just celebrating a building. This is a groundbreaking for something that’s going to be transformative for our community.”
The project will re-use an existing building and will be open to the community, not only aerospace workers. The center will be licensed for 168 children, with a full capacity of up to 500 hours, with the Center intending to operate 24 hours a day. Read more about the Machinists Institute’s childcare work.