Other Child Care Programs

There are some early learning and child care options that are not overseen by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Department of Social and Health Services

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offers programs to help families during temporary situations, such as job loss.

Local School Districts

Local school districts offer free preschool services for children with developmental delays.

Seasonal Programs

Seasonal programs operate only during certain times of the year and for no more than three months total.

Parent Cooperative Programs

Parent cooperative programs allow parents to take turns caring for each other’s children on a limited or occasional basis.

Crisis Respite Care

Crisis respite, also known as “crisis nurseries” provides short-term child care for families facing difficult situations when no other child care is available.

  • Care is free and may be available day or night
  • Children are cared for in a safe and stable place
  • Families may also receive support, outreach, and training to help prevent child abuse and neglect

Crisis respite providers in Washington include:

  • Margie's Crisis Nursery (serves Mason, Lewis, and Thurston counties): 360-786-8907
  • Olive Crest Western WA (serves King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Skagit counties): 1-877-341-7332
  • Olive Crest Eastern WA (serves Spokane County): 1-844-244-1769
  • Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery (serves Spokane): 509-535-3155 

Developmental Preschool

Local school districts offer free developmental preschool for some children with special needs. Children may receive help from special education teachers, speech therapists, and other staff to build skills for kindergarten. 

If you are not sure whether your child qualifies, your local school district can provide a free screening. Contact your neighborhood school to learn about the services in your area.

Private Preschools or Kindergartens

Private preschools or kindergartens provide education for no more than four hours a day per child. DCYF does not license or oversee these programs. 

Some private preschools and kindergartens are certified by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). A private preschool provides care for more than four hours a day per child, it is subject to child care licensing and DCYF oversight. 

Some licensed child care providers also offer kindergarten curriculum. You can learn more about these programs by searching Child Care Check.

Other options include: