What is a childcare subsidy?

A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.

What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?

Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.

Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?

Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.

Where do I find quality care I can trust?

Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.

Childcare Assistance in Washington

15 verified resources.

About Childcare Assistance for Fathers

Childcare assistance for US fathers includes the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-K programs, and sliding-scale nonprofit childcare. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services or a dedicated office) and help families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3. State pre-K is free or low-cost in most states and offered through public schools and partner providers. Many community action agencies run sliding-scale childcare for working parents. For single dads, CCDF subsidies and Head Start are the two most consistent free options. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, local Head Start programs, and resource and referral agencies.

Childcare Assistance in Washington

Washington superior courts handle family matters in each of its 39 counties. The Division of Child Support operates under DSHS. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue are the major metros. Northwest Justice Project is the statewide LSC-funded program, with Snohomish County Legal Services, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Volunteer Legal Services, and King County Bar providing local support.

15 Resources

1. Washington Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) — Free

State-funded childcare subsidy for low-income working families, parents in school, or parents in approved activities that helps pay for licensed childcare. Dads who work, attend school, or participate in job training may qualify. Benefits are paid directly to the provider. Apply online at WashingtonConnection.org or call 1-844-626-8687. Have photo ID, proof of income, proof of activity (work schedule or class enrollment), and the child's birth certificate ready. Income limits vary by family size.

1-844-626-8687 · Apply online via WashingtonConnection.org · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Child Care Aware of Washington — Free

Statewide resource and referral network helping Washington parents find quality, licensed childcare providers and understand financial assistance options including WCCC subsidies and Head Start. Dads can call 1-800-446-1114 to speak with a childcare specialist who will search for licensed providers near their home or workplace based on the child's age, hours needed, and preferred setting. The website also has a provider search tool. Specialists can explain how to apply for childcare subsidies. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

1-800-446-1114 · Statewide phone/online service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Head Start - King County (PCAP/Puget Sound ESD) — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible King County families with children ages 0-5. Includes classroom education, health screenings, dental referrals, nutrition support, and family engagement services. Dads can apply on behalf of their child; priority is given to families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Contact 206-439-3800 or visit psesd.org to find the nearest Head Start center in King County. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records.

206-439-3800 · Multiple King County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · Visit Website

4. Head Start - Spokane County — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible Spokane families with children ages 0-5. Includes classroom learning, nutritious meals, health screenings, dental referrals, and family engagement services. Dads can apply on behalf of their child; priority is given to families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Call 509-533-1075 or visit esd101.net to find the nearest Spokane Head Start center. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records to enrollment.

509-533-1075 · Multiple Spokane County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · Visit Website

5. YMCA of Greater Seattle - Childcare — Paid

Provides before- and after-school care, preschool, and summer programs at multiple Seattle-area locations with financial assistance available for eligible families. Dads can enroll children in before/after school programs at partner school sites or in standalone preschool programs. Sliding scale fees apply; WCCC childcare subsidies are accepted. Call 206-382-5000 or visit seattleymca.org to find the nearest childcare location, check availability, and ask about financial assistance. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm at most sites.

206-382-5000 · Multiple greater Seattle locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

6. Washington DCYF - Early Learning — Free

State Department of Children, Youth, and Families overseeing childcare licensing, subsidy programs, and early learning quality across Washington. Dads can use the DCYF website to verify a provider's license status, apply for the Working Connections Child Care subsidy, or learn about the Early Achievers quality rating system. Call 1-866-482-4325 for general questions Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Visit dcyf.wa.gov to find licensed childcare providers by location, search for Head Start programs, and access family support resources.

1-866-482-4325 · 1500 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Head Start - Clark County — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible Clark County families with comprehensive services for children ages 0-5 including classroom learning, nutritious meals, health screenings, and family support. Dads can apply on behalf of their child; priority is given to families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Call 360-693-2555 or visit esd112.org to find the nearest Clark County Head Start center. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records to the enrollment appointment.

360-693-2555 · Multiple Clark County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center) · Visit Website

8. Head Start - Yakima Valley — Free

Free Head Start and Early Head Start programs for income-eligible families in the Yakima Valley providing education, nutritious meals, health screenings, and family engagement services for children ages 0-5. Dads can apply on behalf of their child; priority is given to families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Call 509-457-8141 to find the nearest Yakima Valley Head Start center. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of income, and immunization records to the enrollment appointment.

509-457-8141 · Multiple Yakima County locations · Mon-Fri (varies by center)

9. Kindering (Bellevue) — Paid

Early childhood development center in East King County providing early intervention, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family support for children birth to three with developmental delays or special needs. Dads can request a developmental evaluation for their child. Services are often covered through the state's Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program. Located at 16120 NE 8th St, Bellevue. Call 425-747-4004 or visit kindering.org to schedule an evaluation or learn about available services.

425-747-4004 · 16120 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98008 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington — Free

After-school and summer programs for youth ages 6-18 at 100+ locations across Washington providing homework help, tutoring, recreational activities, meals, and mentorship. Dads can enroll their children in local Boys and Girls Club programs for safe, supervised activities before and after school and during summers. Annual membership fees are low and financial assistance is available. Visit bgca.org or search by ZIP code to find the nearest Washington club, check hours, and learn about enrollment. Most programs are low-cost or free.

Multiple WA locations (search by zip) · After school and summer hours · Visit Website

11. YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties - Childcare — Paid

Before- and after-school care, preschool, and summer programs at multiple Tacoma and Kitsap area YMCA locations with financial assistance available for eligible families. Dads can enroll children in convenient school-site programs or freestanding childcare centers. Sliding scale fees apply; WCCC childcare subsidies are accepted. Call 253-534-7840 or visit ymcapkc.org to find the nearest Pierce or Kitsap County childcare location, check availability, and inquire about financial assistance. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm at most sites.

253-534-7840 · Multiple Pierce and Kitsap County locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

12. Spokane YMCA - Childcare Programs — Paid

Before- and after-school care, preschool, and youth programs at multiple Spokane-area YMCA locations with sliding scale fees based on household income. Dads can enroll children in school-site programs or freestanding childcare centers across the Spokane metro area. WCCC childcare subsidies are accepted. Call 509-777-9622 or visit ymcainw.org to find the nearest Spokane childcare location, check current availability, and inquire about sliding scale fees and financial assistance. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm at most sites.

509-777-9622 · Multiple Spokane-area locations · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (varies) · Visit Website

13. Community Day Center for Children (Tacoma) — Free

Nonprofit childcare center in Tacoma providing quality early childhood education and care for families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Dads in crisis can contact the center to inquire about enrollment for children while they stabilize housing or employment. Staff provide nurturing care and developmental programming at low or no cost for qualifying families. Located at 1323 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma. Open Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm. Call 253-272-1060 to ask about current availability and intake requirements.

253-272-1060 · 1323 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405 · Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm

14. Tiny Tots Development Center (Seattle) — Paid

Seattle-based nonprofit childcare center providing affordable early childhood education for working families with sliding scale tuition based on household income. Serves children from infancy through preschool age in a developmentally rich environment. Dads can apply for enrollment and request a tour of the facility. WCCC childcare subsidies are accepted. Located at 1901 Rainier Ave S, Seattle. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm. Call 206-325-6535 to ask about current enrollment openings and sliding scale tuition options.

206-325-6535 · 1901 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm

15. Washington State Child Care Tax Credits — Free

Information on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and Washington's Working Families Tax Credit to help offset childcare costs for working parents. Dads who pay for childcare while working or job searching may claim a federal credit of up to 35% of qualifying expenses. Washington's state credit provides additional refunds for low- and middle-income families. Visit the Washington DOR website or IRS.gov for eligibility requirements. No income too high for the federal credit; file IRS Form 2441 to claim it.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

Childcare Assistance — Common Questions

What is a childcare subsidy?: A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.
What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?: Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.
Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?: Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.
Where do I find quality care I can trust?: Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.