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Licensed Daycare in Tacoma, Washington

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in Tacoma, Washington?

Our directory lists 101 licensed childcare centers in Tacoma, 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.

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Tacoma?

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.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Tacoma?

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 .

These childcare providers are pulled from the official state licensing database. Compare licensed capacity, age range, program type, and contact details for each location.

101

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,480/mo

Washington avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Tacoma

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 Tacoma 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: 61 kids

ZIP codes covered

98444 75 98405 25 98409 11 98404 11 98445 9 98407 8 98422 7 98446 6

How many licensed daycare centers are in Tacoma, Washington?

Our directory lists 101 licensed childcare centers in Tacoma, 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 Tacoma?

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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Tacoma?

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 Tacoma 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.