Child Care Subsidy Programs

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families pay for child care. When a family qualifies for child care subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, the state pays a portion of the cost of child care. Parents may be responsible for a copayment to their provider each month.

Child Care Subsidy helps pay for child care while the parent, or parents in a two-parent household, participate in an approved activity.

Approved activities include:

  • Employment or self-employed in legal, income-generating, taxable activities

  • Activities approved under the parents WorkFirst or BFET plan

Education activities include:

  • High school or high school equivalency programs for parents ages 21 and younger.

  • Attending community, technical, or tribal college full-time and seeking an associate or vocational degree

  • Attending community, technical, or tribal colleges part-time and seeking an associate or vocational degree AND working 20 hours per week

Application Process

The parent must complete the WCCC application and verification process.

  • Families can apply by contacting the Child Care Subsidy Contact Center at 1-844-626-8687 or online at www.WashingtonConnection.org.

  • DCYF gathers and reviews information to determine a family’s eligibility.

  • Families will need to provide DCYF with the name and phone number of the child care provider.

  • You do not have to have a provider before applying for child care subsidy

Helpful Links for Free and Affordable Child Care in Washington State

  1. Child Care Aware of Washington: Provides information about various child care financial assistance programs, including Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) and support for families experiencing homelessness. Families can find out if they qualify for assistance and get help navigating the subsidy system.

  2. Working Connections Child Care (WCCC): Offers subsidized child care for low-income families, seasonal workers, and students. Families earning up to 60% of the state median income may qualify.

  3. Head Start and ECEAP Programs: Federally and state-funded programs providing free preschool education for children from low-income families.

Health, Nutritional, and Dental Resources for Families in Washington State

At Cherubs Nursery School, we are dedicated to more than just early childhood education; we're committed to supporting the entire family. By linking our families to vital resources like Apple Health (Medicaid) for healthcare and nutritional programs like WIC and SNAP, we help ensure that every family has the support they need. We also guide those facing challenging times towards shelters and special care services. Our goal at Cherubs Nursery School is to nurture not only our young learners but also to strengthen and empower their families, fostering a vibrant and healthy community.

Key resources include:

  • Community Resources: WA211, serves as a central hub for a wide range of community resources.

Immigrant and Refugee Assistance: 

Resources for Families Experiencing Homelessness:

For families experiencing homelessness in Washington State, there are limited but vital resources for health, nutrition, and dental care.

  • Social and Health Services: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offers food assistance, healthcare coverage, and cash assistance.

  • Shelter Collaborations: Homeless shelters often work with local providers for basic healthcare and nutrition services.

    1. WA211 to find local homeless shelters and housing resources in Washington State.

    2. Homeless Shelter Directory: The Homeless Shelter Directory allows users to search for shelters by city within Washington State.

  • Nutritional Support: Access to food banks and nutritional support programs.

    1. Northwest Harvest: This is a statewide hunger relief agency that operates a network of food banks. They provide nutritious food to anyone in need without restriction. More information can be found on their website: Northwest Harvest.

    2. Food Lifeline: Serving the Western Washington area, Food Lifeline sources and distributes food to a network of food banks, shelters, and meal programs. Their website, Food Lifeline, offers more details.

    3. Second Harvest: Located in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Second Harvest helps feed people facing hunger through a network of partner food banks. Visit Second Harvest for more information.

Families with children who have special needs can access:

Early Intervention Services:

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We are here to support you and ensure your child receives the care they need!