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Finding Childcare

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After your baby is born you may need to find someone to take care of your child while you go back to work or school. 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.

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

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:

  • Parents pay for a portion of child care, based on a sliding scale.
  • Parents must be in an approved activity.
  • Families who are enrolled in WCCC must cooperate with the DSHS Division of Child Support, unless there is “good cause” not to. Learn more here
  • The families gross income (before taxes) must fall with in the guidelines below:

Some families that apply for WCCC may be on a waiting list:

WCCC Income Guidelines

175% Federal Poverty Level




Family Size Monthly Income
1 $1,588
2 $2,145
3 $2,478
4 $2,701
5 $3,259
6 $3,816
7 $4,372
8 $4,931
9 $5,555
10 $6,179

Income Guidelines effective April 1, 2011

To apply for WCCC:

  • Use the Benefit Finder to see if you may be eligible
    for Working Connections Child Care OR
  • Call the Family Health Hotline at: 1-800-322-2588

Live in Seattle?

If you live within the city limits of Seattle and your income is over the income guidelines listed above, you may qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program. A family of 4 can earn up to $5,514 per month and qualify for help paying for child care. If enrollment in this program is full, there may be a waiting list.

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 $5,367 per month and qualify for help paying for child care.

To find out if you qualify for this program, or to request an application, please call
Child Care Resources (206) 329-1011, ext. 267.