Understanding Your Options: Types of Washington Childcare

Age Groups Served: Infants through school-age children.
Key Features:
- Highest level of schedule flexibility, including evening, weekend, or overnight care.
- Caregivers share the child’s home language, culture, and family values.
- Care can happen either in the child’s home or in the provider's home.
Best For: Families with irregular or late-night work shifts, or those who prefer trusted family and community members over formal facilities.
Financial Aid / Subsidies: Approved FFN caregivers can receive direct payments from the state through WCCC.

Age Groups Served: * Early Head Start: Ages 0–3
- ECEAP & Head Start: Ages 3–5
Key Features:
- Free high-quality preschool education, nutritious meals, and developmental screenings.
- Comprehensive family support, including connections to medical, dental, and housing resources.
- Specialized accommodations and support for children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Best For: Lower-income families, foster youth, or families experiencing housing instability or homelessness.
Financial Aid / Subsidies: 100% Free for qualifying families (no WCCC subsidy voucher needed).

Age Groups Served: Infants through school-age children (frequently in mixed-age settings)
Key Features:
- Cozy, home-like environment with smaller overall group sizes compared to commercial centers
- Mixed-age groups mean siblings can often stay together in the same setting
- Often offers more flexible, non-standard, or extended operating hours
Best For: Parents who want a smaller setting, personalized attention, or care outside standard 9-to-5 working hours
Financial Aid / Subsidies: Accepts WCCC state subsidies (if the home provider is registered with DCYF)

Age Groups Served: Infants (under 12 months), Toddlers (1–2 years), and Preschoolers (3–5 years)
Key Features:
- Classrooms organized by age group with structured daily learning routines and group social activities
- Regulated staff-to-child ratios to ensure active supervision
- Dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas built for specific development stages
Best For: Parents looking for standard working-hour care, structured early education, and group socialization
Financial Aid / Subsidies: Accepts Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidies if the center participates with the state (DCYF)

Search Child Care Check — Use Washington’s official state database to review background checks, licensing statuses, and state inspection reports
Call Child Care Aware of Washington — Call 1-800-446-1114 to speak with a specialist who can help you locate licensed openings and check Early Achievers quality ratings near you.