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Finding Childcare

The first years of a child’s life are critical for healthy development so finding high quality and affordable child care is important. There are many types of child care ranging from large child care centers to small family-like settings. It is important that you choose the option that works best for your family and meets your child’s needs.

Child writting a story

Washington State licenses or certifies two types of child day care:

  • Child care centers (including most school-age programs), and
  • Family child care homes.

There are some types of care that do not require a license in the State of Washington:

  • Preschools
  • Care given by a family member
  • Nanny Care (care in the child’s home)
  • School-age programs run by a public school

Find Child Care:

To find a child care provider in your area or read about what to look for in a child care provider, go to the Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network.

If you live in King County, you may also visit Child Care Resources.

Need help paying for childcare?

Washington State has a program called Working Connections Childcare that helps low-income families pay for childcare so parents can work, look for a job, or enroll in a job training program.

Program details:

  1. Parents pay for a portion of child care, based on a sliding scale.
  2. Parents must be in an approved activity.
  3. The families gross income (before taxes) must fall with in the guidelines below:
Family Size Monthly Income
1 $1,734
2 $2,334
3 $2,934
4 $3,534
5 $4,134
6 $4,734
7 $5,334
8 $5,934
9 $6,534
10 $7,134
11+ $600 each

How to apply:

To apply for Working Connections Childcare contact your local DSHS office (also called your Community Service Office).

To find the DSHS office nearest you, go to fortress.wa.gov.

Live in Seattle?

If you are a resident of Seattle and your income is over the income guidelines listed above, you may qualify for the Child Care Resources Financial Assistance Program. A family of 4 can earn up to $5,300 per month and qualify for help paying for child care.

To learn more call 206-386-1050 or visit Child Care Payment Assistance.

Live in Bellevue, Redmond or Kent?

If you are a resident of Bellevue, Redmond, or Kent and your income is over the income guidelines listed above, you may qualify for the Child Care Resources Financial Assistance Program. A family of 4 can earn up to $5,125 per month and qualify for help paying for child care.

To learn more visit Child Care Resources. To find out if you qualify for this program, or to request an application, please call (206) 329-1011, ext. 218.