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 →CLOSE REACH ACADEMY
Bothell
WEE LOVE LEARNING-EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Olympia
WEDGWOOD MONTESSORI NORTH
Seattle
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OLYMPIC HILLS
Seattle
KIDS COUNTRY TA
Tacoma
PONDEROSA CARE A LOT DC
Spokane valley
LIGHTHOUSE EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC
Selah
BANGOR SCHOOL AGE CARE
Silverdale
YMCA - TAMBARK CREEK ELEMENTARY
Bothell
STAY AND PLAY PHZ 2 CENTER
Seattle
ST MATTHEW PRESCHOOL
Seattle
EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA - LUIS ALFONSO VELASQUEZ FLORES AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Seattle
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
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.