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Licensed Daycare in Federal way, Washington

41 licensed daycares in Federal way, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Washington licensing records.

41
Licensed Centers
41
Programs
$1,480/mo
Washington avg infant
1:4
State infant ratio

Federal way listings updated November 2026 from official Washington records.

Daycare in Federal way: what parents should know

Our directory lists 41 licensed childcare providers in Federal way, Washington. Every provider here holds a current Washington license at indexing time, sourced from Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Licensed care in Federal way spans 3+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.

Combined, Federal way's licensed centers hold about 2,908 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Federal way childcare by the numbers

41
Licensed providers
2,908
Licensed child seats
3+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in Federal way

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 Federal way 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 overview

Quick 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
70 kids
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What will daycare actually cost you in Federal way?

Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.

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Largest licensed centers in Federal way

By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.

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No openings near Federal way? 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.

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Found a center in Federal way? 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.

See the checklist →

Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Federal way, Washington?
Our directory lists 41 licensed childcare centers in Federal way, Washington, sourced from Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.
What's the average daycare cost in Federal way?
Statewide averages in Washington run roughly $1480/month for infants and $1100/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Federal way daycares?
All licensed Washington centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Federal way typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Federal way?
Washington families can apply for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) (intake: (877) 501-2233). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.
How do I verify a Federal way daycare's license?
Look up the provider directly in the official Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.

Where to get childcare help in Federal way

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours
Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org
Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program
State subsidy

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(877) 501-2233 · How to apply
Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care
Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Official license search

How this data is sourced. Listings for Federal way, 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 · November 2026 · methodology

Search 41 Licensed Centers in Federal way

Free, no signup, verified directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

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