Paying for Child Care

Best Starts for Kids is a King County voter-approved initiative to support every baby born or child raised in King County to reach adulthood happy, healthy, safe, and thriving. Starting in 2022, these investments include $20 million per year for a new child care subsidy program! To find out if you are eligible for this subsidy and to apply, please visit the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy website.

BrightSpark assists families experiencing homelessness in King and Pierce Counties who would like support navigating and accessing child care and child care financial assistance. If you have questions or to complete our intake process, call us at 206-329-5544 or 1-800-446-1114 or search our online database.

The City of Seattle helps low- and moderate-income working families pay for child care. A family may choose from more than 200 high-quality licensed child care programs in Seattle. To learn more about the program and be screened for eligibility, please visit the CCAP website. If you have questions, contact CCAP at 206-386-1050.

Some employers offer flexible/dependent care spending accounts, which allow costs for child care to be deducted from your paycheck pre-tax. Talk to your employer to find out if a flex plan is available. Earned Income Tax Credit is a tax credit for low- and moderate-income working individuals and families. The Federal Child Tax Credit is another way to help pay for child care and can help you save on your tax bill.

Your child care  provider may offer a multi-child discount or sliding scale based on income. When you interview caregivers, have a discussion about what you can afford and request written information about costs.

The Washington State Working Connections Child Care subsidy provides financial assistance for families with low incomes while they work, look for work, or go to school. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here. Visit Washington Connection to apply.