VIDEO: ‘Parenting is real work,’ declare protesters trying to save co-op preschool program

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests | West Seattle schools

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

While this morning’s West Seattle rally to save state-funded cooperative-preschool/parent education programs started gently – above, a “fund our schools” singalong to the tune of “Wheels on the Bus” – the message grew fiery, thanks to two locals.

We’ve been covering the situation, which involves the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges changing funding allocation in a way that would in essence defund the program, contending it’s not a workforce pathway. The board rotates meeting locations and was at South Seattle College (local program site and WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge this morning, so that’s how the rally site was chosen.

The first West Seattleite to speak passionately about saving the program was Chris Lampkin, himself a co-op alum and dad, as well as deputy chief of staff for King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda:

Speeches were interspersed with signwaving and chants.

The other West Seattleite presenting an energetic defense of the parent-education program was State Senator Emily Alvarado, who’s also a mom of a tween and teen; she urged the board to “slow down” the process in hopes something can be worked out to save the program:

The crowd also heard from co-op program reps including educators who said the program was their pathway into the system, countering the contention that it’s not a workforce pathway. If something doesn’t change, the program could shut down as soon as this summer, unless $2 million in funding is found – and that’s a high bar for crowdfunding to clear. They’re trying other forms of advocacy too. We’ll continue following up.

WS Mama April 9, 2026 (1:35 pm)

Thank you WSB for covering this very important issue! We love SSC Co-op programs and hope the SBCTC reconsiders this funding cut. Removing this critical funding would gut the programs and lose the wonderful parent education component.

Co-op parent April 15, 2026 (11:42 pm)

Reply

You can email the office of the mayor and the city council and ask for “bridge funding” for next year so there is time to find a long term solution! Spread the word!council@seattle.govhttps://www.seattle.gov/mayor/contact

Erin Bernau April 9, 2026 (4:03 pm)

This program provides vital support to so many families! I really hope that this decision is revoked and that funding is restored. This is not the time to cut early education and family support programs!

Laura April 9, 2026 (4:19 pm)

Chris’s speech was rousing and inspiring, and it was great Senator Alvarado was there to support, too. Thanks to the amazing co-op folk who organized this rally so those of us who’ve benefitted from the program (and STILL benefit from the connections) could come support. Great turnout for an early Thursday morning, I’d estimate 100 people! Thanks to WSB for covering.

Annika ZumBrunnen April 9, 2026 (7:00 pm)

It was so moving and emotional to be there and I really hope the board will reconsider the state rule change that will cut off access to these essential and lifesaving programs. I sincerely hope that colleges will change their minds, and also hope that we can help find real solutions to these complex issues and challenges. The world will feel the long term impacts of not having these parent Ed programs available and accessible.

Co-op parent April 15, 2026 (11:41 pm)

Reply

You can email the office of the mayor and the city council and ask for “bridge funding” for next year so there is time to find a long term solution! Spread the word!council@seattle.govhttps://www.seattle.gov/mayor/contact

Bellvy April 10, 2026 (5:50 pm)

WSB thank you for being an important community resource–covering the news of another important community resource! Surely we can find a way to support such a valuable program that has had such impact on my family’s and so many other families’ lives for many years.

Co-op parent April 15, 2026 (11:39 pm)

Reply

You can email the office of the mayor and the city council and ask for “bridge funding” for next year so there is time to find a long term solution! Spread the word! council@seattle.gov https://www.seattle.gov/mayor/contact

IDC9 April 11, 2026 (11:43 am)

This program is a very much a workforce pathway in that it helps children get off to a good start in school, which is key for success later in life, and that it gives parents who would otherwise be out of the workforce due to needing to be home with their children a place where their children can go so they can be part of the workforce. I hope the program can be saved. Otherwise, the local workforce will inevitably shrink.

Co-op parent April 15, 2026 (11:40 pm)

Reply

You can email the office of the mayor and the city council and ask for “bridge funding” for next year so there is time to find a long term solution! Spread the word!council@seattle.govhttps://www.seattle.gov/mayor/contact

Co-op parent April 15, 2026 (11:09 pm)

I heard back from a representative I contacted. He was sympathetic and encouraged me to email the city council and the mayoral office asking for bridge funding for next year so that there is time to figure out a long term solution. Please email city council! Council@seattle.gov