Licensed Daycare in Bellevue, Washington
198 licensed daycares in Bellevue, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Washington licensing records.
Bellevue listings updated August 2026 from official Washington records.
Daycare in Bellevue: what parents should know
Our directory lists 198 licensed childcare providers in Bellevue, Washington, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 45% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Washington license at indexing time, sourced from Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Licensed care in Bellevue spans 5+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.
In total, Bellevue providers are approved for approximately 17,985 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Bellevue childcare by the numbers
The Bellevue childcare landscape
Bellevue anchors Seattle's Eastside — a tech-heavy, high-income market (Microsoft, Amazon, and more) — and its childcare prices are among the highest in Washington. The same state programs apply, but here employer benefits and private-pay options dominate the conversation.
Free preschool and employer benefits
Washington's ECEAP (free state preschool for income-eligible children) and federal Head Start operate on the Eastside, but in higher-income Bellevue many families lean on private pre-K and employer childcare benefits — backup care, subsidies, and on-site centers are common at the area's large tech employers, so check what your company offers.
Subsidies and quality
The state subsidy is Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) for eligible families; income limits have expanded in recent years. Check a provider's Early Achievers rating — Washington's quality system — alongside any NAEYC accreditation.
How licensing works
Child care in Washington is licensed and inspected by the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). Licensing status and inspection history are public — confirm a provider is licensed and in good standing before enrolling.
Neighborhoods and cost
Bellevue and the Eastside are among the priciest markets in the state — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,900–$2,600/month. Downtown Bellevue, the Bridle Trails area, and nearby Redmond and Kirkland are all premium and competitive, with long waitlists at the most sought-after centers.
When to start looking
For infant care, Eastside waitlists are long — tour and list during pregnancy where possible, and check employer benefits early. ECEAP and Head Start have set application windows ahead of the fall.
Childcare costs in Bellevue
ChildCare Aware reports the Washington average full-time cost at $1,480/month for infant care and $1,100/month for preschool. City-level prices in Bellevue vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Washington families may also qualify for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) (intake: (877) 501-2233).
Full Washington licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:7
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 90 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Bellevue?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
Program types in Bellevue
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Bellevue
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Bellevue? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Bellevue? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Bellevue licensed centers
Page 14 of 14Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Bellevue, Washington?
What's the average daycare cost in Bellevue?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Bellevue daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Bellevue?
How do I verify a Bellevue daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Bellevue
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programWorking Connections Child Care (WCCC) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(877) 501-2233 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Official license searchChildcare resources for Bellevue
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Bellevue, Washington are compiled from official Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 198 Licensed Centers in Bellevue
Free, no signup, verified directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).