Childcare

The AFS Childcare subcommittee can help you find resources for keeping the kids busy while you are giving your talk or attending a symposium. In addition to the family-friendly activities around the city, we offer: (1) limited childcare in a room at the conference center; and (2) a list of for-hire childcare services that can accommodate drop-ins (best to contact them early). Please contact Aimee.Fullerton [at] noaa.gov with any questions.

Limited On-Site Childcare

Please note: childcare will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations will not be accepted).

Location: WSCC, Room 303 (Updated 7/22)

Hours: The childcare room will be open from 8am-12pm and from 1-5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the conference.

Capacity: We can accommodate up to 25 children at a time, aged 2 months to 12 years (the more young kids we get, the less we will admit).

Duration of Care: Each child can stay for up to 4 hours (either all at once or allocated in 30 minute blocks throughout the conference); those wishing to use the room for longer than 4 hours will need to volunteer a matching amount of time in the childcare room at another time.

Staff: This room will be staffed by at least one lead caretaker qualified to work in a daycare facility, and at least two volunteers at all times.

Facility and Amenities. We will provide several sleeping mats and blankets for children wishing to nap and a variety of age-appropriate toys, puzzles, and activities. Children will not be allowed to bring their own toys to avoid potential choking hazards. One exception is that we will allow one comfort item (a soft stuffed animal or blanket) per child. If your child is not potty-trained, we will need you to provide diapering supplies.

Food. We will not provide food during childcare. Nor will we allow parents to leave any snacks, in order to avoid potential allergy issues. We will ask that parents ensure that children are well fed before drop-off and that they are picked up for lunch (the room will be closed from 12-1pm).

Check-in Procedure. Parents will be required to fill out two forms when checking children into the room: (1) a liability waiver, and (2) an information form. The information form will have the child’s full name and age, the parent’s name and contact information (including cell phone #, and location during child care), and any known medical issues. As well, parents will fill out a nametag for their child that includes the child’s first name, age, and the parent’s full name. Finally, parents will sign the child in on a log, indicating the time they intend to return to pick the child up.

For-Hire Childcare

Nearby Drop-In Daycare Facilities (parents will need to call ahead to inquire about availability)

*Walkable Drop-In Care:*	*Drivable Drop-In Care:*
Whirlwinds1310 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109 206-623-6666 http://www.whirlwindskids.com/contact.html Ages: 2.5 through 5 Hours: 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Mon-Fri Cost: $8/hr one child; $12/hr two; $20/hr three; 2-hr minimum, 4-hr maximum Distance from Convention Center: 1.0 mi.	Trettin Drop In Preschool & Kids Club4515 16^th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105 206-729-3723 http://www.trettindropin.org/ Ages: 2-5 (preschool) and 5-9 (kids club) Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Monday – Friday (2-5 yrs til 4pm) Cost: $8/hr; limited to 4 hours per day Distance from Convention Center: 4.4 mi.
Seattle KinderCare 1827 Eighth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 206-903-1103 http://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/center-details/301786 Ages: 6 Weeks to 4 YEAR-OLDS Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday – Friday Cost: call for availability and pricing Distance from Convention Center: 0.3 mi.	Whirlwinds4530 Union Bay Place, Suite 208, Seattle, WA 98105 206-729-9463 http://www.whirlwindskids.com/contact.html Ages: 2.5 through 5 Hours: 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Mon-Fri Cost: $8/hr one child; $12/hr two; $20/hr three; 2-hr minimum, 4-hr maximum Distance from Convention Center: 4.9 mi.
WeeWacs (WA Athletic Center)1325 6TH AVE, SEATTLE WA 98101 206-464-3094 https://www.wac.net/community/weewacs Ages: 8 Weeks to 6 Years Hours: 8:30–5:30 Mon-Fri; 8:15–3 Saturday Cost: $9-10/hr Distance from Convention Center: 0.3 mi. must be a member	Blossoming Buds Cottage7501 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115 206-525-0795 http://www.blossomingbudscottage.com/ Ages: 2.5 – 5 yrs Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mon-Fri Cost: $8.50/hr; $13/hr two kids; 2-hr minimum, 4-hr maximum Distance from Convention Center: 6.5 mi.