Washington Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
Whether you are looking to start a child care program in Washington or are a seasoned owner, there are many resources available to help fund your programs. Each state has a primary agency or organization responsible for subsidizing child care programs. They partner with local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies and shared services organizations to raise awareness of grant opportunities and support the distribution of funding. They also provide additional programs and services to help you run your business.
Washington Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
Primary State Agency (Child Care Development Fund)
This primary agency oversees early care and education programs and services in Washington, and they are responsible for subsidizing child care programs from federal and state child care grants. Visit the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R Agency)
Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) are another great resource for assisting child care providers with available grants and funding and other resources. Contact your local CCR&R agency.
Shared Services Organizations
The community of ECE leaders working to provide services to support sustainable child care programs is growing all the time. Reach out to your local organizations to learn more about their services. Visit Washington Child Care Business Edge.
NAEYC Regional Affiliates
Join your local NAEYC affiliate to connect with professionals in your community at conferences, networking events, leadership opportunities, advocacy efforts and more. Visit Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC).
Champions of Mixed Delivery Monthly Call
The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) and National Child Care Association (NCCA) and are partnering to offer Champions of Mixed Delivery, a series of monthly check-in calls to share and receive updates about key proposals, coordinate messaging and talking points and share resources for advocacy. View dates and register for a call here.
Washington Child Care Licensing Requirements
Learn more about child care licensing requirements in Washington.
Learn more about Washington early learning standards.
Washington Early Childhood Education Quality Ratings, Curriculum and Assessments
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)
Child care providers earn a rating when they meet quality standards. Many states require these quality standards in order to receive grants and additional funding. View Early Achievers for more details on Washington quality standards.
State-Aligned Curriculum
Feel confident knowing your curriculum aligns to your state standards. Procare Early Learning by Learning Beyond Paper provides a 100% digital curriculum and assessments addressing the needs of child care centers, daycares, preschools and early learning teachers.
Assessments
Simplify the assessment process and meet Washington state standards with a unique early childhood assessment framework that makes clarity a key strength of your child care center’s assessments and communications.
Average Cost of Child Care in Washington
Understanding the cost of child care in Washington is important for both parents and child care providers.
Annual Child Care Costs in Washington
Infant care for a single child costs an average of $16,380 per year.
View child care costs in other states.
Professional Development Resources
Professional development programs are designed to encourage, support and recognize early childhood professionals seeking to expand their skills to raise the quality of their programs. View a list of professional development resources for child care providers here.