Resources for families with special child-care needs
You may be aware that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families has a program that can help with paying for child care. What you might not be aware of is that, in addition to regular payments, the program can also help incentivize providers to provide care for children with needs that require additional support.
Washington State recognizes that families experience challenges finding care when their child has special needs.
Children with unique physical, emotional, or developmental needs can experience unstable or shifting child care arrangements.
The DCYF child care subsidy program offers monetary incentives to support a child’s particular special needs whether the provider is a childcare center, a licensed family home, or even unlicensed friends and family. These payments help families reach better outcomes through stable care arrangements.
Visit our child care subsidy program webpage to learn more about child care subsidies. Providers should visit our WCCC special needs rate webpage to learn how to qualify for support.
For additional information:
- Providers, please contact the Provider Help Line at 1-800-394-4571 or email providerhelp@dcyf.wa.gov.
- Families, please contact the Child Care Subsidy Contact Center at 844-626-8687.