Child Care and Early Learning

The 2024 Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 2124, expanding eligibility for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), effective Nov. 1, 2024.

DCYF will make changes that will impact some license-exempt Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) providers’ tax filings.

Child care providers have asked for regular meetings with DCYF to discuss their challenges and receive timely answers to their questions concerning child care policy, rules, and other relevant topics. In response, DCYF has organized community child care forums across the state.

Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Natalie Green and Child Care Licensing Supervisor Candace Latimer were recognized for their significant contributions during this year’s Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award ceremony.

Natalie was recognized for strengthening child welfare services, reducing staff turnover and increasing placement with kin.  

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) provider rates increases went into effect on July 1, 2024. Increases are in effect for licensed family homes, centers, and Family, Friends, and Neighbor child care. Rates can be found at the Getting Help Paying for Child Care webpage.

The 2024-25 Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant opened for applications on July 2, 2024. DCYF offers Needs-Based Grants to eligible licensed child care providers participating in Early Achievers. 

Early Achievers participants may be eligible for a $1,000 Needs-Based Grant if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

Help Me Grow Washington with DCYF offers free access to online developmental screening for early care and education providers serving families.

The June 2024 edition of the Early Care and Education Newsletter is now available to read.

The June newsletter features:

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) recently published its 2023 State of Preschool Yearbook. The annual report shows Washington making positive strides in child care access and quality.

The May 2024 edition of the Early Care and Education Newsletter is now available to read.

The May newsletter features: