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If you are seeking child care, call the Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center: 1-800-446-1114

Paying for Child Care and Early Learning

Paying for child care and early learning programs can be a challenge. However, there are many programs available that are here to help!

King County Programs

King County Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy

Best Starts for Kids logo

 

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.

 

 

City of Seattle Child Care Assistance Program

CCAP logo

The Seattle CCAP is available to low-income families who live within Seattle city limits and are unable to access other subsidy programs. Priority is given to families who need care during nonstandard hours such as nights and weekends due to their work or education schedule. Learn more here.

 

 

King County Suburban Cities Financial Assistance Program

The Suburban Cities Financial Assistance Programs is funded by the Human Services Funding Collaborative and assists low to moderate income families in Auburn, Bellevue, Redmond, and Kent. This program does not require caregivers to be employed, but requires families to demonstrate that child care is essential to meeting their basic needs. To join the waitlist for this program, fill out this form available in both English and Spanish.

 

 

 

BrightSpark's Child Care Subsidy Program (King County)

 

 

Brightspark’s Child Care Subsidy Program is available to low-income families living in King County who do not qualify for other subsidy programs and are experiencing challenges meeting basic needs (such as housing instability. To join the waitlist for this program, fill out this form available in both English and Spanish.

 

Pierce County Programs

Pierce County Student Child Care Final Assistance Program

The Pierce County Student CCFA Program provides support for parents who are in a post-secondary education or work training program and struggling to pay for child care. Families remain eligible for the subsidy for the duration of the parent’s educational program as long as the family resides in Pierce County. To join the waitlist for this program, fill out this form available in both English and Spanish.

 

 

BrightSpark's Child Care Subsidy Program (Pierce County)

Brightspark’s Child Care Subsidy Program is available to low-income families living in Pierce County who do not qualify for other subsidy programs and are experiencing challenges meeting basic needs (such as housing instability. To join the waitlist for this program, fill out this form available in both English and Spanish.

 

Statewide Programs

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)

ECEAP is funded by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families and is available to low-income families with children ages 3-5. This program offers assistance to low-income families or those who are experiencing crises like housing instability, domestic violence, or mental health challenges. It offers holistic family support, like developmental screenings, help securing basic needs such as housing and groceries. Learn more about eligibility and apply here.

 

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)

 

 

WCCC is funded by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families and connects low-to-moderate income working families to providers and pays a portion of their tuition based on the families’ needs. To learn more about the eligibility and application for this program, click here.

 

How BrightSpark Can Help

Finding financial assistance programs, figuring out if you are eligible, and navigating the application process can be confusing. That’s why we are here to help! To work with a subsidy specialist, contact BrightSpark in one of two ways:

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions