Licensed Daycare in Bellingham, Washington
114 licensed daycares in Bellingham, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Washington licensing records.
Bellingham listings updated August 2026 from official Washington records.
Daycare in Bellingham: what parents should know
Bellingham has 114 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 32% 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 Bellingham spans 4+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.
Combined, Bellingham's licensed centers hold about 5,959 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Bellingham childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Bellingham
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 Bellingham 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
- 52 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Bellingham?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
Program types in Bellingham
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 Bellingham
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Bellingham? 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 Bellingham? 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 Bellingham licensed centers
Page 5 of 8Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Bellingham, Washington?
What's the average daycare cost in Bellingham?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Bellingham daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Bellingham?
How do I verify a Bellingham daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Bellingham
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 Bellingham
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Bellingham, 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 114 Licensed Centers in Bellingham
Free, no signup, verified directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).