Siemens Closes On-Site Childcare Center in Oregon

Why this is here: Despite a rising cost of childcare—increasing over 32% since 2019—access remains a challenge, costing families $134 billion annually in lost earnings.

Raishelle Everett and other Siemens employees in Wilsonville, Oregon, learned on March 10th that the company’s childcare center would close at the end of June 2026. The center, which served about 70 children, including the children of Siemens employees and members of the local community, was built in 1992 and was highly regarded for its curriculum and low student-to-teacher ratio. Siemens plans to sell the land and buildings, targeting the childcare center for closure as part of a larger restructuring.

Parents, led by Everett, are now attempting to keep the center open by establishing a non-profit and seeking funding. They aim to raise $1.6 million to cover expenses and maintain current staff salaries. Siemens has agreed to allow the non-profit to operate in the building rent-free until September 2027, a significant but temporary reprieve.

Childcare policy expert Elliott Haspel notes that employer-provided childcare can be unstable, leaving families vulnerable when companies face economic changes. He advocates for publicly funded childcare solutions, citing Vermont’s payroll tax model as a successful example of increased access and stability. The parents’ efforts continue as they seek grants and funding to secure the center’s future.