Donate Child Care Aware of Washington was recognized Nov. 19 by the Association of Washington Business as the 2020 recipient of the Washington Advance Award. The award recognizes a Washington state business or 
organization that has had a significant impact in their sector contributing to the advancement of their community and/or the statewide economy. The award was presented virtually during AWB’s Evening of Excellence online gala. This is the first time Child Care Aware of WA has been recognized by the business community.
While we are thrilled to have won this award, we acknowledge that the real heroes for the business community are the child care providers across our state who care for the children of working parents every day. During the pandemic, Washington’s child care providers have been deemed essential by Governor Inslee. Their crucial work makes it possible for working parents to work, so businesses can keep operating, and at the same time, they also are contributing to the development of our future workforce by providing important play-based early learning.
“All of us at Child Care Aware of Washington are deeply honored to have our contributions acknowledged by the Association of Washington Business. We appreciate AWB’s recognition of the important role quality child care plays in keeping our economy going, especially during these challenging times. We share this award with all of Washington’s child care providers whose work with children is keeping medical facilities, groceries, utilities and so much more available for all of us,” said Deeann Burtch Puffert, Chief Executive Officer of Child Care Aware of WA.