Washington state community resources and subsidies
Last updated: December 1, 2023
Families in Washington state benefit from three key resources: BrightSpark, 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.
BrightSpark operates the Child Care Aware of Washington’s Family Center, offering a comprehensive database of licensed child care providers across the state. This resource is invaluable for families seeking child care solutions that align with their unique requirements, including considerations of values, culture, work schedules and financial support possibilities.
BrightSpark’s resource specialists provide customized lists of child care referrals based on your specific criteria, ensuring a more targeted and efficient search. Visit BrightSpark to learn more and access their online database providers 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.