March 18, 2026

WHEREAS, recent changes by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges’ (SBCTC) to their allocation model will cut off direct State funding for parent education classes and associated cooperative preschool lab schools across our region; and

WHEREAS, this reckless decision will result in the closure of North and South Seattle Colleges’ parent education programs, costing faculty jobs and directly impacting 1,950 adult students and an equal number of children enrolled in the co-op preschool lab programs; and

WHEREAS, as part of their instruction, these programs support cooperative lab preschools that provide affordable parent and early childhood education to both child and adult students. Preschools and childcare are core affordability issues for working families, and they are vital for women’s ability to participate in the workforce. Tuition at cooperative preschool and parent education programs offered through our colleges is less than half the cost of similar market rate, drop-off preschool programs; and

WHEREAS, SBCTC’s assertion that these programs lack “workforce-related outcomes” devalues and ignores essential labor that is disproportionately carried out by women. There is no strong workforce without parents/caregivers doing the essential work of raising and supporting children. The stability, health, and preparedness of the workforce depend on safe, supported children and families. These programs are not peripheral to workforce development—they are foundational; and

WHEREAS, approximately 90% of Washington’s parent education instructors and 75% of preschool teachers came through the Cooperative Preschool and Parent Education Program as students with their own children. The courses directly relate to careers in childcare, K-12 education, social work, therapy professions, small business management, and even political careers (e.g. Senator Murray).  These jobs offer income and economic participation to people who often need part-time employment and flexible hours due to their own obligations to children and families; and

WHEREAS, education is a cost-effective investment in our future. Conservative estimates across multiple parenting and early-intervention models show returns ranging from $2 to $6 for every $1 invested, largely through avoided downstream costs. Research consistently shows that parents who participate in structured education programs are better equipped to support their children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. These programs help reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect, while promoting positive parenting practices, school readiness, and long-term educational success. SBCTC should revise the allocation model to re-fund this well-proven, cost-effective, useful, and beloved offering to our community.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that MLK Labor recognizes the necessity and importance of parenting education and the associated cooperative preschools within our community and technical college system; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MLK Labor recommends that the Washington State Labor Council call upon the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges to immediately and fully restore funding for parent education programs in our communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, should the State Board refuse to restore funding for parent education, MLK Labor recommends that the Washington State Labor Council call upon our state and local governments to work collaboratively to secure emergency funding to allow these programs to survive in the short term, and to champion long-term sustainable investment in these programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MLK Labor urges its affiliates, their members, and the broader community to show their support for this vital investment in our future by signing AFT WA’s petition in support to save parenting education at http://tiny.cc/preschool_ParEd.