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The City of Seattle helps low- and moderate-income working families pay for child care for children ages one month to 13 years. Families can choose from more than approximately 135 licensed family child care homes and centers in Seattle, which contract with the City to provide high-quality and affordable child care.

At the time of enrollment, the family will be given a voucher, which authorizes monthly child care payments to the child care home or center that they choose from the list provided. The amount of the payment from the City varies according to the income of the family, age of the child, and hours of care needed. The City typically pays between 25% and 80% of a standardized rate, and the family is responsible for paying the difference between the city child care assistance and the Provider’s regular monthly rate.

The City of Seattle Human Service Department allocated over $2 million in 2010 for child care assistance payments.

Eligibility and Applications

To be eligible, a family must live within Seattle city limits, the parents must be employed or in a job training program, the family must have a gross family income that falls within the guidelines below, and the family cannot be eligible for any other subsidy program.

Eligibility screenings and applications are available by calling the Seattle Human Services Department’s Child Care Assistance office at 206-386-1050.

For services in other languages, call:

Mienh — 206-684-0605
Spanish — 206-386-1012
Tagalog — 206-386-1011
TDD — 206-233-2778

Interpretive services can be arranged for other languages.

Office Location and Contact Information

City of Seattle Human Services Department
Child Care Assistance Program
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5800

PO Box 34215
Seattle, WA 98124-4215
206-386-1050
comprehensivechildcare@seattle.gov

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday.