Columbia County childcare is desperately needed. The Walla Walla Valley Early Learning Coalition assisted in conducting a feasibility study in 2021 that shows just how serious this problem has become. Workers have no place to take their children while they work, and employers can’t find workers!

The Childcare Facility Stakeholder Committee has been working on development, financing and siting of an Early Learning and Childcare Facility in Columbia County. The Port of Columbia’s Blue Mountain Station was selected by the committee as the best site for a new childcare facility to be located.

Click the images below to view a presentation made to the Port Commission on February 9th, 2022, the full Feasibility Study for the Walla Walla Valley, an Employer Guide and an Executive Summary (a summary of the full study).

Presentation to the Port of Columbia Commissioners

Feasibility Study

Employer Guide

Executive Summary