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Licensed Daycare in Washington

Search 2,497 verified daycare and childcare centers across Washington, sourced directly from Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,497
Licensed Centers
$1,480/mo
Avg Infant Care
$1,100/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Washington Childcare Licensing

In Washington, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:7 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:7
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,480/mo
Avg preschool cost
$1,100/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Washington

View all cities →
Seattle
383 centers
Tacoma
178 centers
Spokane
138 centers
Vancouver
115 centers
Bellevue
113 centers
Bremerton
82 centers
Yakima
79 centers
Bellingham
64 centers
Everett
60 centers
Redmond
54 centers
Puyallup
53 centers
Olympia
49 centers
Financial help

Washington Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Washington families can apply for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (877) 501-2233

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Recently Verified Centers

View all 2,497 →
M Licensed Center

MLT PAVILION KIDS KREW

Mountlake terrace

3 years 0 months — 13 years 0 months Cap 65
R Licensed Center

RIGHT AT SCHOOL AT TIFFANY PARK ELEMENTARY

Renton

School Age (5+) Cap 45
B Licensed Center

BRIGHT STAR KIDS SPOKANE LLC

Spokane valley

birth — 13 years 0 months Cap 110
Y Licensed Center

YMCA - BEN RUSH

Redmond

School Age (5+) Cap 84
S Licensed Center

SUNNYSIDE PRESCHOOL CENTER AND CHILDCARE

Pullman

1 month — 13 years 0 months Cap 84
S Licensed Center

SPOKANE CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Spokane valley

Infants & Toddlers Cap 89
C Licensed Center

COMMUNITY BUILDING CHILDRENS CENTER

Spokane

Infants & Toddlers Cap 29
T Licensed Center

TOMORROW'S HOPE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Everett

1 month — 13 years 0 months Cap 134
A Licensed Center

ALPHABET PRESCHOOL A

Tacoma

1 month — 13 years 0 months Cap 129
Y Licensed Center

YO SOY UNICO CHILD CARE II

Auburn

Infants & Toddlers Cap 44
S Licensed Center

SEA MAR CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Seattle

1 month — 13 years 0 months Cap 99
D Licensed Center

DENISE LOUIE EDUCATION CENTER BEACON HILL

Seattle

3 years 0 months — 6 years 0 months Cap 76

Daycare in Washington — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Washington is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/look-up-licensed-providers.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Washington?
State minimums in Washington are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:7 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Washington?
Full-time infant care averages about $1480/month; preschool runs around $1100/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Washington trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Washington?
Yes. The primary state program is Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), reachable at (877) 501-2233. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Washington daycare?
File a complaint with the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 2,497 Licensed Washington Centers

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