Licensed Daycare in Spokane, Washington
227 licensed daycares in Spokane, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Washington licensing records.
Spokane listings updated August 2026 from official Washington records.
Daycare in Spokane: what parents should know
Our directory lists 227 licensed childcare providers in Spokane, 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 Spokane spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.
In total, Spokane providers are approved for approximately 16,550 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Spokane childcare by the numbers
The Spokane childcare landscape
Spokane is eastern Washington's early-childhood hub, and it leans on the state's free preschool and subsidy programs at prices well below Seattle. The community college system runs much of the local Head Start, an unusual and effective arrangement.
Free preschool (ECEAP) and pre-K
Washington's ECEAP — the state's free preschool for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds — plus federal Head Start cover the preschool years for many Spokane families, delivered through Spokane Public Schools, Community Colleges of Spokane, and community providers.
Subsidies and quality
The state subsidy is Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), which has expanded its income limits 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
Spokane is affordable for the state — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,100–$1,400/month, well under Seattle. The South Hill is family-dense and competitive; north Spokane and the Valley add capacity and are routinely searched alongside the core.
When to start looking
ECEAP and Head Start have set application windows ahead of the fall — apply in late winter or spring. For infant care, tour early and join waitlists.
Childcare costs in Spokane
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 Spokane 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
- 72 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Spokane?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
Program types in Spokane
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 Spokane
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Spokane? 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 Spokane? 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 Spokane licensed centers
Page 10 of 16Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Spokane, Washington?
What's the average daycare cost in Spokane?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Spokane daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Spokane?
How do I verify a Spokane daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Spokane
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 Spokane
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Spokane, 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 227 Licensed Centers in Spokane
Free, no signup, verified directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).