Many families living in Washington state qualify for free or low-cost child care, but they may not know about it. You can help by sharing information with parents, caregivers, and your community.

The Washington state Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) has put together a toolkit with ready-to-use materials that make spreading the word easy! 

Growing up in a rough neighborhood, without a father, and losing a best friend to gun violence, Harbor Heights Superintendent Kendrick ‘Ken’ Rochelle hopes to inspire young people by showing them that regardless of where they come from, there is always hope.

You may qualify for free or low-cost child care through Washington state’s Working Connections Child Care Subsidy program. It’s available to more families than ever, and signing up is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

If you qualify, you’ll pay no more than $165 a month. Some families pay nothing at all!

Attention Washington State Child Care Providers!

Across three-acres of farmland in Issaquah—featuring endless muddy puddles, trails, and towering trees—children ages 2-6 attending Forest Friends Preschool (FFP) learn about the boundless world around them through outside, imaginative play, featuring cows, sheep, and even alpacas.

Starting May 29, SR 18 near Echo Glen will be closed through June 4. Staff, contractors, and visitors should expect delays and additional travel time when making plans to go to Echo Glen during the closure.

During this time, the Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will have alternate routes marked by detour signs. 

This article is available in Spanish and Somali. 

Updated on April 30, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

DCYF has issued an all clear. Individuals can once again access the Richland DCYF Office. 

Earlier this morning, DCYF issued a safety alert due to police activity outside the Richland DCYF office - located at 1661 Fowler St. The public was asked to stay away from the area. 

For generations, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples have faced an ongoing crisis of violence. On Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day, we honor the individuals missing and the lives lost. As an agency, we also commit to working with our tribal partners to address the policies and practices that have driven this crisis.  

Do you know a father who has overcome personal obstacles and engaged in services to safely reunite with their child? The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is now accepting nominations for their annual Engaging Fathers Award, which celebrates the importance of a positive and healthy relationship between fathers and their children.