Resources
For families
What to look for when touring a daycare
A short tour can tell you a lot. Watch how staff speak to kids, check the floors and bathrooms, ask about staff turnover, and notice whether kids look engaged or just contained.
Understanding Early Achievers ratings
Washington rates licensed providers 1–5 based on coaching, environment, and staff qualifications. A higher rating doesn't always mean a better fit, but it's a useful signal.
How WCCC subsidies work and how to apply
Working Connections Child Care helps low- and moderate-income families pay for licensed care. Apply through DCYF online, by phone, or at a local office.
Open resourceQuestions to ask before enrolling
Ratios. Backup caregiver plans. Sick-child policy. Meals. Discipline philosophy. Communication style. Pickup grace period. Ask all of it.
Red flags to watch for in childcare
Locked doors that won't open from the inside, providers who won't let you tour during open hours, vague answers about licensing, or anyone discouraging you from talking to other parents.
DCYF Child Care Check tool
Look up any licensed Washington provider's inspection history, complaints, and current license status, for free.
Open resourceWashington WCCC application
Apply for Working Connections Child Care directly through DCYF.
Open resourceFor daycare providers
How to improve your Early Achievers rating
Focus on consistent documentation, intentional curriculum planning, and ongoing staff PD. Free coaching is available through Child Care Aware of Washington.
Tips for showing up in Google searches
Claim your Google Business Profile, add photos and hours, ask happy parents for reviews, and put your neighborhood name in your site copy.
Why families choose one daycare over another
Price matters, but warmth wins. Families consistently report the deciding factor was how the provider made them and their child feel during the first tour.
How to prepare for a family tour
Tidy the entry, plan a child-friendly moment they can observe, have your tuition and policy sheet ready, and follow up the next day with a personal note.
DCYF licensing information
Everything you need to know about becoming or staying a licensed provider in Washington State.
Open resourceEarly Achievers program
Washington's quality recognition and improvement system for licensed providers, with free coaching and resources.
Open resourceFrequently asked
For families
What happens after I submit the intake form?+
Someone from our team reaches out within 24 hours by phone or email to confirm details and answer questions. Within a few business days, we send you 2–3 carefully matched daycare options with everything you need to know.
How long does it take to find a match?+
Most families hear from us within 1–2 business days with their first round of matches. Tours can usually be scheduled within the same week.
What if I don't like the options you present?+
Tell us why and we'll search again. We'd rather take an extra week to find the right fit than push you toward a placement that doesn't feel right.
Do you only work with licensed daycares?+
Yes. Every provider in our network is fully licensed by Washington State DCYF, has been reviewed for violation history, and personally verified by our team.
What if my child starts and things don't go well?+
Our check-ins exist exactly for this. If something isn't right, we'll help address it with the provider, or help you find a better fit — on us.
Do you work with families who have WCCC vouchers?+
Yes, and we specifically match you with providers who accept WCCC. Tell us in your intake and we'll handle the rest.
How does The Right Step Collective work for families?+
Our service exists to make finding the right childcare easier for families. Fill out our short form and we will take it from there.
How do you handle my family's information?+
We store all family information in encrypted, access-controlled systems. We share details only with daycares you've consented to be matched with. We never sell family data.
What areas do you serve?+
We serve Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tukwila, Burien, White Center, Kent, Federal Way, Rainier Valley, Shoreline, and everywhere in between.
For daycare providers
What exactly is the placement fee?+
One month of that child's tuition at your program, paid on day 1 of enrollment. There are no recurring fees tied to that child after the placement fee is paid.
When do I pay the placement fee?+
On day 1 of the child's enrollment. We invoice you the same day the child begins.
What is the 60-day replacement guarantee?+
If the placed family leaves within 60 days due to a provider-side issue (program mismatch, scheduling, communication breakdown, etc.), we provide one free replacement placement of equivalent value.
Do I have to sign a contract?+
Yes, a short one-page agreement. It covers our fee structure, the 60-day guarantee, data privacy, and the family-referral process. No long-term commitment.
Do I have to pay a subscription to receive referrals?+
No. The base service is free for providers, you only pay the placement fee when a child enrolls. The monthly listing ($75–$150) is optional and simply moves you to the top of the queue.
What does the website build include and how much?+
Up to 5 pages, mobile-optimized, photo gallery, contact form, basic SEO, and a Google Business Profile setup. One-time fee of $800–$1,500 depending on complexity, with optional hosting and maintenance at $50–$100/month.
Won't the website take families away from your service?+
No, the website helps families find you who would never have known you existed. Most of our placement work still flows through our matching process, but a stronger online presence grows your overall enrollment across every channel.
How do you screen families before sending them to me?+
Every family completes a detailed intake form and a follow-up phone conversation with our team. We confirm they are a real fit for your program before we ever make an introduction.
Do you work with daycares that accept WCCC?+
Yes, and we actively match WCCC families with WCCC-accepting providers. If you don't currently accept WCCC but want to, we can point you toward how to get contracted.
How are family inquiries kept private?+
We never share family information beyond the daycares they've consented to be matched with. Data is stored in encrypted, access-controlled systems.