Take our upper Kittitas County Childcare Survey
School Age Programs
509 Teens
Join 509 Teens on the 1st Friday of each month in Cle Elum at the Shop Teen Center and the 4th Friday in Ellensburg at various parks or in the KCRCO office. Events could include games, movie nights, and more! This is a free event and is open to all teens aged 12-17. Check out 509teens.com for event information.
@509Teens on Facebook and Instagram
(509) 968-5224
Boys and Girls Club
After School Hours: til 6pm
Summer Program:
The Club will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each week during the summer will be a different theme with art, STEM, and many activities throughout the day. We have great Youth Development Professionals (YDPs), that will be working with our members every day. They will have been cross-trained with their counterparts in Moses Lake and Kittitas.
Email: info@bngclub.org
(509) 764-9694
Keen Summer Camp
KEEN’s Nature School and direct environmental education programming is expanding. Our goal is nature-immersion programming for all ages. We have tuition-based programs, Pond to Pines Summer Camp, KEEN's Mountaineers, and KEEN's Adventure Apprentice Program, and free community programs including Windy City Park Rangers and 4th Grade Camp.
(509) 551-8807
Lazy F Summer Camp
16170 Manastash Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Lazy F’s program is outdoor-focused. Your camper will spend about 70-80% of their time here with their peers in the outdoors. Situated in the Manastash Canyon, we can offer your camper the outdoor experiences that are frequently missing from modern life – playing in the creek, chasing frogs by the pond, running through the meadows hidden in our forest – as well as classic camp games and activities.
(509) 962-2780
Right at School
After School Program participating at Valley View Elementary, Ida Nason Aronica Elementary, and Mount Stuart Elementary. Kids enjoy a variety of Disguised Learning activities every day, exploring math & science, reading & writing, nature & outdoor learning, creative & performing arts, and community service while being supervised by background checked staff.
Stan Bassett Youth Center
406 E Capitol Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926
School Year (September-June)
The Ellensburg Youth Center will be open for an After School drop-in program Monday through Friday, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Youth in 3rd to 8th grade will receive homework help and also participate in fun filled arts and crafts activities, STEM activities, active games and more! The Youth Center will open early on early release days.
Summer Activities
Youth Center Daily Drop-In and Summer Trips are open to youth entering 3rd to 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year.
(509) 925-8604
The Shop
218 E 1st St, Cle Elum, WA 98926
Supervised, fun and safe space for teens to come and hang out. Our lovely staff are always there to make sure you feel comfortable. We also offer support groups. There is always something fun to do at The Shop. We have ping pong, pool, air hockey, foosball, video games, board games, arts and crafts, arcade games and more!
(509) 304-3036
Valley Play Museum
1500 W Dolarway Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Valley Play Museum is an interactive, hands-on space for children that stimulates curiosity and engages the whole family in learning through play. Our vision is to foster imagination and nurture lifelong learning through the power and joy of interactive play. We strive to create a dynamic environment where children can explore, create, and connect with the world around them. Space is available to rent for birthday parties!
(509) 957-0587
Resources For Employers
Babies-at-Work
Babie's at Work helps with how to create a sustainable program, and how to set up your work environment.
Infant at Work Program - DOH
This website shows the information regarding the policy to allow eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers, or legal guardians to bring their baby to work with them from the age of 6 weeks to 6 months.
Fair Start for Kids Act
This discusses the Fair Start for Kids Act that provides 85% reimbursement for childcare costs.
Crosscut
News article about Federal and State Programs needed
Center for American Progress
International Finance Corporation
News article "The Child Care Crisis Is Keeping Women Out of the Workforce "
International Finance Corporation
International Finance Corporation
Guide for Employer-Supported Childcare
Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware
Learn how Washington’s child care crisis is hurting employers and our economy.