Washington state community resources and subsidies
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Families in Washington state benefit from three key resources: Child Care Aware of Washington, Washington Connection and the Child Care Check system. These tools are designed to simplify your search for quality child care that meets your specific need and help connect you to subsidies you may be eligible for.
Child Care Aware of Washington (CCA of WA) offers free referrals to licensed child care providers across the state, with resource specialists who can provide customized lists based on your family’s specific needs — including considerations of values, culture, work schedules, and financial support possibilities. Visit Child Care Aware of Washington to access their online database, or call 1-800-446-1114.
Take the Child Care Aware checklist with you when assessing child care centers. It has all the key questions, including a few you might not think to ask.
Washington Connection is a comprehensive resource for Washington state residents seeking assistance across a variety of needs. It serves as a gateway to accessing numerous Federal, State, City, and local benefits. The platform allows families to explore and apply for programs related to health insurance, food assistance, child care subsidies and more.
To discover which services your family may qualify for, visit Washington Connection.
Child Care Check, managed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (WA DCYF), provides access to information on providers’ background check statuses, licensing history, monitoring reports, and more. This system is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of child care options. Visit Child Care Check to get started.