The Covid-19 pandemic has shed light on the many holes in America’s social safety net — workers in fields deemed “nonessential” are struggling to make ends meet across Eastern Washington. Many of those deemed essential find themselves in harm’s way.

Fortunately, there is one resource that working families in the Tri-Cities can depend on, even during a pandemic — preschool provided through Head Start and their preschool partners.

Data collected by Benton-Franklin Trends, a project of Eastern Washington University’s Institute for Public Policy & Economic Analysis, shows that the percentage of children enrolled in preschool in Benton and Franklin counties is well below both the statewide and national average.

This isn’t a good sign for the future of our children.

According to a study by the Brookings Institute, research on preschool has shown it improves outcomes for children across a number of important quality-of-life metrics: higher school attendance rates, fewer failing grades, a higher likelihood of graduating from high school and less involvement in criminal activity.

The good news is that we can fix this trend by enrolling more children in preschool, even during a pandemic.

Just like K-12 education, Benton Franklin Head Start has moved online and parents can now ensure that their children get access to activities and materials that promote and enhance language and literacy skills, motor skills, social skills and more, all from the comfort of home.

If your child needs special attention due to developmental challenges, that won’t be an issue. Head Start has specialists and partners with area school districts who will work with your kids to ensure that their needs are accommodated.

No internet? No problem — Head Start will loan you a hotspot and a tablet for your child to use. Head Start services don’t stop at remote learning, either — families who enroll their children in Head Start also have access to free health care services, family support services, free meals for your child and educational materials to enhance at home learning.

These services are available to income eligible children and families throughout the Tri-Cities. Go to bfhs.net for more information and to fill out an interest letter.

Many families throughout the Tri-Cities are experiencing hardship and loss — coping with financial challenges, grieving loved ones, or just enduring the struggle of daily life — because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s during times like these that neighbors turn to one another for support and end up stronger because of it, and this spirit of community solidarity in the Tri-Cities is perhaps best embodied by the work being done by our members at Benton Franklin Head Start.

If you have young children at home, apply today, because expanding preschool enrollment is imperative to quality of life in our community, both for the present and for the future.

Russell Shjerven is the secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 839, which represents more than 80 Head Start teachers, family service workers, health and nutrition assistants and food service workers who provide high quality preschool and home visiting services that close the opportunity gap for children in the Tri-City area.