Free Search

Licensed Daycare in Kent, Washington

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

85
Licensed Centers
85
Programs
$1,480/mo
Washington avg infant
1:4
State infant ratio

Kent listings updated August 2026 from official Washington records.

Daycare in Kent: what parents should know

Our directory lists 85 licensed childcare providers in Kent, Washington, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 40% 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 Kent spans 5+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.

Combined, Kent's licensed centers hold about 5,716 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Kent childcare by the numbers

85
Licensed providers
5,716
Licensed child seats
5+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in Kent

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 Kent 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
67 kids
Free tool

What will daycare actually cost you in Kent?

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

Estimate my cost →

What to pack for the first day

Contains affiliate links
Waterproof name labels for daycare bottles and containers
Name labels

Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.

See this one on Amazon →
Toddler nap mat with pillow and blanket for daycare
Nap mat or cot sheet

Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.

See this one on Amazon →
Folded spare toddler clothes for daycare cubby
Spare clothes set

Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.

Browse options on Amazon →
Spill-proof kids water bottle with straw lid
Labeled water bottle

Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.

Browse options on Amazon →
Insulated kids lunch bag with ice pack
Insulated lunch bag

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 Kent

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

Still looking

No openings near Kent? 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.

Search nearby ZIP codes →
Contains affiliate links

Found a center in Kent? 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 →

All Kent licensed centers

Page 4 of 6

Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.

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

How many licensed daycare centers are in Kent, Washington?
Our directory lists 85 licensed childcare centers in Kent, 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 Kent?
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 Kent 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 Kent typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Kent?
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 Kent 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 Kent

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 Kent, 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 85 Licensed Centers in Kent

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

selected