ESD job search requirements with no childcare - need help finding resources ASAP

Yes! You should apply for Working Connections Child Care through DSHS. It's specifically designed for low-income families and they prioritize parents who are job searching. You'll need to apply online through WashingtonConnection.org or visit your local DSHS office. Make sure to tell them you're on unemployment and actively job searching - that qualifies you for their job search childcare assistance for up to 4 months in most cases. They'll ask for your ESD claim info as verification.

same thing happened to me last yr. its the WORST!!! try calling 211, they helped me find a place that gave emergency childcare vouchers while i was waiting for the dshs stuff to go thru. good luck the system is so broke

When I lost my job, I couldn't even get through to DSHS for WEEKS!!! And guess what? While waiting, I missed two interviews because my babysitter bailed and I couldn't afford another one. Then ESD had the nerve to question if I was "available for work" because I turned down an interview time I couldn't make without childcare!! The system is RIGGED against parents - especially single moms. Good luck but prepare for a fight with these agencies.

I've been through this exact situation and managed to get help through a combo of resources. First, definitely apply for Working Connections as already mentioned. While waiting for approval, check with your local YWCA or YMCA - many have emergency childcare scholarships. Also, some community colleges have childcare assistance programs even if you're not a student but participating in their job search workshops (which count toward your ESD activities!). Don't forget to ask about the Childcare Aware referral service too - they sometimes know about short-term options. One more thing - if you're having trouble reaching ESD to ask questions about how childcare impacts your "able and available" status, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual ESD agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting hung up on. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was really helpful when I needed to explain my childcare situation to make sure my benefits weren't affected.

Just wanted to add that you can also check if your local WorkSource office has in-person childcare while you use their computers and resources for job searching. Not all locations have it but some do! The one in Olympia definitely had a kids area last time I was there. And those activities definitely count toward your 3 weekly job search requirements for ESD.

My sister had this problem and she just brought her kid to interviews anyway. Some employers were actually impressed by her dedication lol. But I get that's not always possible depending on your kid's age and temperament.

I work for a non-profit that helps with employment barriers, and childcare is definitely one of the biggest issues we see. Here's what I recommend: 1. Apply for Working Connections Child Care through DSHS immediately 2. Contact your local Early Learning Coalition for emergency assistance 3. Ask about the Childcare Aware referral network for temporary options 4. Check if you qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start (if your child is the right age) 5. Document all childcare barriers in your ESD weekly claims - be specific about how it's affecting your job search 6. Attend WorkSource workshops that offer childcare (as someone mentioned) 7. Some churches and community organizations offer free childcare for job seekers - call 211 to find these Most importantly, make sure you're documenting all your efforts to find childcare solutions in your ESD weekly claim notes. This protects you if they question your availability for work.