Financial Help for Child Care in Washington State
Lots of families need help paying for child care while they work or go to school. There are several state and local programs that provide financial assistance to eligible families. Child Care Aware of Washington can help you:
- Find out if you qualify for financial assistance
- Navigate the state subsidy system and complete your application for Working Connections Child Care
- Get a list of referrals for child care providers that fit the needs of your child and your family
- Connect you with other services in your community
Call the Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center at 1.800.446.1114 or fill out the form below to connect with our team.
Child Care Subsidies
Available Services
There are many different supports for families who need help paying for child care. These include subsidies for families who have low incomes, do seasonal work, have special needs or situations, are full-time college students, and more.
Eligibility
Families who earn at or below 60% of the State Median Income may be eligible for child care assistance. For a family of four that’s $61,675 per year.
Military Families
The first step in accessing military family child care fee assistance is by creating an account at https://militarychildcare.com/.
Military child care assistance resources are available through Child Care Aware of America. Learn More.
Subsidies for Families Experiencing Homelessness
Available Services
We help families who are experiencing homelessness find child care at no cost to them. Child care offers young children experiencing homelessness a safe place to play and learn, healthy food, and a chance to make friends.
Note: After 12 months, parents will be asked to meet additional requirements to continue to qualify for free child care.
Benefits of Child Care
- Trained caregivers
- A warm, clean, safe environment
- Individualized care and attention
- Healthy, nutritious meals
- Playing and learning through fun activities
- Support for the whole family
Eligibility
Your family may be able to qualify for these programs if you:
- Live temporarily with family or friends
- Live in a shelter, car or park
- Live in transitional housing
- Are income eligible
- Live in domestic violence program housing
- Other temporary situations could also qualify you
Homelessness is not considered neglect. Child Protective Services (CPS) will not remove children because they are experiencing homelessness.
Informal Child Care
Informal child care, also known as Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN), is the most common form of child care. Relatives and friends often provide flexible schedules, more culturally-aligned care and cost-effective options. Child Care Aware of Washington offers Play and Learn Group curriculum to FFN providers to supplement their programs.
