Daycare in Washington
Browse 2,499 licensed daycare centers and family childcare homes across Washington.
Average Daycare Costs in Washington
* Costs vary by location, facility type, and program. These are state averages for full-time care.
Browse by County
Select a county to view licensed daycare providers in that area.
Show all 38 counties
Verify Provider Licenses
Check any provider's licensing status with Washington's official database.
Types of Daycare in Washington
Licensed Daycare Centers
Commercial facilities licensed by Washington to provide group childcare. Centers must meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios.
- • State-licensed and inspected
- • Structured educational programs
- • Multiple age-appropriate classrooms
- • Full-time and part-time options
Family Childcare Homes
Licensed providers who care for children in their home. Washington regulates home-based providers to ensure safe environments and appropriate care.
- • Home-like environment
- • Smaller group sizes
- • Often more flexible schedules
- • Mixed age groups
Washington Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Required Staff Ratios
| Age Group | Washington Requires | NAEYC Recommends |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | 1:4 | 1:3 |
| Toddlers | 1:7 | 1:4 |
| Preschool | 1:10 | 1:8 |
| School Age | 1:15 | 1:10 |
Infants are birth to 12 months. Washington has lower ratios than many states.
Childcare Assistance
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
Administered by: DCYF
Income Eligibility
60% of State Median Income (about $60,000 for family of 4)
Quality Rating System
Early Achievers
Washington uses a 5-level quality rating system. Look for rated providers for assurance of quality.
Find rated providersState Pre-K Program
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
Who qualifies: 3 and 4-year-olds
Income: 110% of Federal Poverty Level (expanding)
Learn more about Pre-KThings to Know About Washington Childcare
- •Seattle has some of the highest childcare costs in the nation - comparable to San Francisco.
- •Washington is phasing in free preschool through ECEAP expansion.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Use our calculator to estimate daycare costs in Washington, then explore our guide to choosing the right provider.