Improving Access to High-Quality Child Care

June 30, 2022
A group of diverse children sitting together.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) believes in that every family should have the opportunity to enroll their children, or children in their care, in high-quality child care and early learning programs that prepare them for kindergarten.

Families who cannot afford child care and meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements may qualify for the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP). For example, a family of four with a gross monthly income of $5,354 would pay only $115 a month for their child care.

Subsidized child care is available to any parent whose income is below 60% of the Washington State Median Income at the time they apply

The CCSP is also available to:

  • Teen parents
  • Families experiencing homelessness
  • Non-needy relatives
  • Families currently in the child welfare system

Families who have applied for subsidized child care in the past and have been denied, are encouraged to re-apply. Effective Oct. 1, 2021, eligiblity and income limits expanded, which allow more families access to high-quality child care. This expansion has qualified over 4,400 more Washington State families for eligiblity.

To apply for subsidized child care, call the Child Care Contact Center at 844-626-8687 or visit the Washington Connection webpage, where you will also find information in Spanish and Somali.