Licensed Daycare in Washington
Search 2,497 verified daycare and childcare centers across Washington, sourced directly from Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.
Washington Childcare Licensing
In Washington, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:7 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)What's distinctive about Washington: Washington's Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) serves families up to 60% state median. Seattle metro dominates supply — Eastern WA and rural counties have limited options.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:7
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,480/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,100/mo
Washington Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Washington families can apply for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (877) 501-2233
Recently Verified Centers
View all 2,497 →RIGHT AT SCHOOL AT IMAGE ELEMENTARY
Vancouver
KIDS HOUSE LLC
Yakima
EASTSIDE LITTLE LEARNERS SPECTRUM ACADEMY
Redmond
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR COMMUNITY CENTER EARLY HEAD START
Spokane
CURTIS HILL CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL #2
Chehalis
RIGHT AT SCHOOL AT MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARY
Federal way
RIGHT AT SCHOOL AT NAUTILUS K-8 SCHOOL
Federal way
KCE CHAMPIONS LLC AT NEELY O’BRIEN ELEMENTARY
Kent
EL CUENTO PRESCHOOL LLC
Seattle
KIDS KINGDOM CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOL
Puyallup
YMCA AT SALISH COAST ELEMENTARY
Port townsend
RIGHT AT SCHOOL AT FREDERICKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Puyallup
Daycare in Washington — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Washington is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Washington?
How much does daycare cost in Washington?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Washington?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Washington daycare?
Search 2,497 Licensed Washington Centers
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