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Licensed Daycare in Washington

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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

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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

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Vancouver

School Age (5+) Cap 60

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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