Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy
Reauthorization Hub
New Family Portal Open August 5th for Reauthorization Applications!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Family Portal, opening AUGUST 5, 2024, where enrolled families can now easily complete their annual reauthorization applications online!
All enrolled families in our subsidy program MUST reauthorize to continue participation.
The reauthorization application and all required materials are due no later than September 16, 2024. The Best Starts for Kids Subsidy will cover child care up to the end of your authorization month. For most families, this period ends on October 31, 2024, while for other families, it extends until November 30, 2024.
Stay tuned for more details and make sure to mark your calendars!
More information about the reauthorization process can be found in a variety of languages, using the links in the tabs below.
To be eligible for the Best Starts Child Care Subsidy Program, families must meet the following criteria:
Reside in King County
Have a gross household income that falls below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) (click here to see income limits)
Have one or more children age 12 or under
Choose a licensed child care provider
Be ineligible for WCCC subsidy or not well served by existing programs
Please note that reauthorization and reapplication to the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy Program is only for families currently enrolled in the program who wish to continue receiving the subsidy.
Our program is currently at full capacity, and our waitlist is closed until further notice. Therefore, we are not accepting new applications at this time.
Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy prioritizes families who are not served by existing public subsidies and for whom child care is unaffordable. This includes families living just above the income eligibility threshold for existing public subsidies, as well as families who are below the income cut-off but ineligible for or not well served by these programs.
Learn more, including Best Starts for Kids Subsidy income limits, by clicking the links in the flyers below!
Families are initially responsible for determining if their income falls at or below the limits for the WCCC Program and applying if required.
After the reauthorization application is submitted, the Best Starts Subsidy Team will review the provided income documentation to make the final determination of total gross income.
Families at or below 60% of the state median income (SMI) will be required to submit a WCCC denial letter.
If you believe it is possible that the reauthorization calculation of your family’s pre-tax income could fall at or close to 60% SMI, we highly encourage you to obtain a WCCC denial letter. We suggest that all families estimating their gross income at 65% or less of the SMI should submit a WCCC denial letter.
If your family’s gross income is above 65% of the SMI, you will not be required to submit a WCCC denial letter.
Option 1: Fax Directly to Best Starts for Kids Subsidy
- Request WCCC to fax the denial letter.
- Fax number: (253) 295-2643
Option 2: Receive by Postal Mail and Send to FAS Navigator
- Have WCCC send the denial letter to you via postal mail.
- Send a photo or scanned version via text or email to your FAS Navigator.
Find more information about WCCC denial letter requirements by clicking on the flyer links below!
Ensuring accurate income determination is crucial for both eligibility verification and subsidy rate calculation. Here is what you need to know about the income verification portion of your reauthorization application.
Applicants will be required to report the total income for up to two adult household members who are either a parent, spouse of a parent, or caregiver of a child intended to receive the subsidy.
To ensure a smooth reauthorization process, please make sure that all documents you plan to submit meet the following requirements:
- Complete Information: All documents must be complete and include the name of the applicant or second adult in the household.
- Date Inclusion: Documents must clearly show the dates they pertain to.
These requirements help us verify your income accurately and process your reauthorization efficiently.
The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy requires applicants to report the total gross (pre-tax) income of up to two adult household members, such as parents, spouses, or caregivers of the child intended to receive the subsidy. To qualify, a family’s gross household income that falls at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) (click here to see income limits) based on the household size.
Applicants will be able to identify the sources of their household income and upload the documentation required for each income source. All income sources will need to be indicated and documented.
Income Source & Documentation Required
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Employment income – W-2 / 1099 :
Last two months of pay stubs from all jobs
OR, a pay statement for the last 2 months of income if the applicant is a driver or delivery person for an app-based company.
OR, employer letter from new job dated within 60 days of the application. The letter should include start date, hours worked, and wage
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Self-employment income, capital gains income, dividend income (from stocks), interest income, royalty income :
The applicant will need to complete a declaration of self-employment income which may include:
Tax Form 1040
Schedule 1
Form 1065
Schedule K-1
Schedule C (or EZ)
Form 1120 (or S)
Profit and Loss Statement for the last 3 months
Pay stubs from earned income for the past 3 months
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Disability insurance- SSI/SSDI :
Current award letter
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Student financial aid :
Financial Aid Award Letter
AND/OR, Work Study- Award letter or supervisor letter including hours/wage
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TANF or other cash benefits (such as unemployment insurance) :
Current award letter
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Rental income :
Schedule E tax documents from most recent tax year
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Child Support (received) :
Receipts of amounts received
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Works jobs for cash :
Statement in Reauthorization Application
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Other income :
Statement in Reauthorization Application
Find more information about income documentation requirements by clicking on the flyer links!
Applicants can provide ONE document from List A or TWO documents from List B.
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Choose ONE document from this list:
Mortgage statement or current lease
Any utility bill (gas, water/garbage, electricity, internet)
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance statement
Washington State Address Confidentiality Program card (no date required)
For families experiencing homelessness: Housing Affidavit/Attestation Statement in the application. This will include the link to the third-party verification form
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Choose TWO documents from this list:
Washington State Identification Card
Washington State Driver License
Bank statement
Credit card statement, cell phone bill, or other bill
Paystub from employer
Consulate card from any country
Rent receipt
If you are experiencing homelessness, you will be asked to answer a Housing Affidavit/Attestation Statement in the application. This will include a link that will open a separate window with the third-party verification form, which can be completed by the individual providing short-term housing or by a community member who can verify your residency within King County.
You may share the third-party verification form with the community member you are asking to verify your residency in King County before beginning your application using the link below.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to a FAS Navigator for assistance!
Find more information about residency documentation requirements by clicking on the flyer links!
Families can access the portal by visiting the “Family Portal Login Page” link below or going to https://prod.caseworthy.com/ccr_prod.portalnew.
When logging in, please use the email address associated with your account as your username.
Email from CaseWorthy: Families should have received an email from notifications@secure.caseworthy.com with instructions on how to set a password.
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Check Spam/Junk Folders: Sometimes emails can be filtered out of your main inbox.
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Contact Us: If you still cannot find the email and are a currently enrolled family, please reach out to our FAS Team at 206-208-6865 or support@bskchildcare.org. Families struggling with the password setting can have their password manually set by a FAS Navigator.
For information available in other languages, please see our Portal Launch flyers below:
To Set Your Password: Families can use the “Forgot Password” link to request a password reset
If assistance is needed or issues arise, please contact the support team at support@childcare.org or 206-208-6865.
After submitting your application, a message saying “Thank you for submitting your application” will appear on the screen.
In the lower right-hand corner of the application screen, there is a small black box labeled “English.” Hovering over or clicking on it allows families to select one of the other available languages: Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese.
Applicants can upload documents directly while completing the application—the system will prompt families to submit documents as needed. If additional documents need to be uploaded after submission:
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Families can log into the portal again, click on the button that says “Upload Documents” and add additional documents. Please DO NOT try to submit a second application.
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Families can contact the FAS Team at 206-208-6865 or support@bskchildcare.org for assistance.
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WCCC denial letters can also be faxed directly to us at (253) 295-2643.
If a family’s income varies throughout the year, we require 2 months of recent pay stubs and 2 months of pay stubs from when the adult’s income was significantly different. Families should also include a notation in the CASH INCOME/NO INCOME section of the reauthorization application where there is space to add comments regarding income variance.
If a family’s income fluctuates significantly from pay period to pay period, they may choose to submit 3 months of pay stubs to give a more accurate representation of their income. In these circumstances, please also leave a note in the CASH INCOME/NO INCOME section to explain the variance.
Families may also complete a separate fillable PDF document to report variable or cash/no income and upload it with the application. If needed, families can reach out to their FAS Navigator to obtain this form.
Employment Verification Letter: A letter from the employer is required, outlining the details of the income change.
This letter should include:
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The current and future pay rates.
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The date the income change will take effect.
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The reason for the income change (e.g., reduction in hours, demotion, etc.).
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Contact information for the employer, in case further verification is needed.
Best Starts for Kids Subsidy covers a set amount determined during reauthorization, based on factors such as household size, income, child’s age, care type, and hours of care. Families and providers need to agree on how to handle any difference between the subsidy amount and the provider’s charges. The provider may charge the family the difference, waive part of it, or waive all of it.
Families will receive an email with an Award Letter offer, which must be signed and submitted to accept the subsidy for the next reauthorization cycle. Families have two weeks to accept the offer and 45 days from acceptance to select a provider (if one is not already in place). Care must begin within 60 days of accepting the award. Note that a Subsidy Payment Authorization (and potentially a New Vendor Packet) must be in place before payment can be issued.
Except in rare circumstances, no. Families cannot use both the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy and WCCC simultaneously. To maximize your benefits:
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General Guidance: At reauthorization, all families whose family income is determined to be at or below 60% SMI (State Median Income) must apply for WCCC subsidy benefits. In almost all cases, approval for WCCC subsidy means that the family is no longer eligible for Best Starts for Kids Subsidy support.
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Supplementing Coverage: If WCCC does not cover all the hours needed, families may request to use the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy to supplement the subsidy authorized by WCCC. Approval by the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy program for continued use of Best Starts Subsidy is on a case-by-case basis.
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Co-Pay Costs: The Best Starts Subsidy cannot be used to pay WCCC co-pays.
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Head Start and ECEAP: If your child qualifies for Head Start or ECEAP, these programs take priority over the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy. You must first use the subsidy provided by Head Start or ECEAP. If these programs do not cover all the care hours you need, the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy can supplement them on a case-by-case basis. Best Starts Subsidy does not cover co-pay costs. This circumstance requires an exception request be submitted by the family. This will be reviewed, and approved or denied, by the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy Lead Team.
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City of Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Families and child care providers are required to notify us if a child is accepted for CCAP subsidy support. You cannot use the CCAP and Best Starts for Kids Subsidy at the same time. Families must choose one program to use and notify Best Starts Subsidy Program of their choice
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All Other Private and Municipal Subsidies: The Best Starts for Kids Subsidy can be used with other private or municipal subsidies, provided that the other subsidy allows it. In these cases, Best Starts for Kids will be the primary funding source, and other subsidies may supplement the funding. Families and providers must notify Best Starts for Kids at least one day before the other subsidies become effective, with a preference for two weeks’ notice. Providers are required to notify and verify with Best Starts for Kids when they are receiving other funding.
If you have a safety concern about applying for WCCC, please contact a member of the Family Access and Support (FAS) Team for assistance. We can help address any safety concerns related to your application and explain your options. You can reach out to our FAS Team at (206) 208-6865 or support@bskchildcare.org.
For children aged 13-19 with a disability, the family must:
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Provider Requirements: Providers caring for children older than 12 years, must have a license which has been extended to at least the age of the child with special needs who is in their care. The licensing regulations [WAC 110-300-0300, –0355, -0356] stipulate that permission must be granted for each older child with special needs.
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Evidence Needed: Families must submit evidence that the provider has been granted permission by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to care for the child. This must include documentation from the licensor approving the special needs accommodation and that the license includes authorization to care for children through at least the age of the particular child.
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Application Process: When applying for reauthorization, list children in this age group on the enrollment page of the application, even though they are over 12 years old. Please note the over 12, special needs request in the comments portion of the child care needs schedule for this child.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to the FAS Team for support at (206) 208-6865 or support@bskchildcare.org.
Families and providers can complete this form to consent to receiving Best Starts for Kids Subsidy program-wide text messages, ensuring they stay informed about important updates and announcements. Your contact information remains private, and you can still engage in individualized text communication with the Best Starts Subsidy program without needing to sign up separately.