01 / Guide
What to look for when touring a family home daycare
A short tour can tell you a lot. Watch how the provider speaks to children, ask about backup care and household routines, and notice whether children look engaged and comfortable.
Resources for families and providers.
Guides, checklists, and official Washington tools, gathered in one place so you are not searching for answers alone.
Serving King County Family Home Daycares WCCC welcome
For families
Choose with more confidence.
Use these guides to know what to ask and what to look for, then let us make the calls and confirm the openings for you.
Start your free search02 / Explainer
Understanding Early Achievers ratings
Washington rates licensed providers from 1 to 5 based on coaching, environment, and staff qualifications. A higher rating doesn't always mean a better fit, but it's a useful signal.
03 / Subsidy
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 resource04 / Checklist
Questions to ask before enrolling
Ratios. Backup caregiver plans. Sick-child policy. Meals. Discipline philosophy. Communication style. Pickup grace period. Ask all of it.
05 / Safety
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.
06 / Tool
DCYF Child Care Check tool
Look up any licensed Washington provider's inspection history, complaints, and current license status, for free.
Open resource07 / Application
Washington WCCC application
Apply for Working Connections Child Care directly through DCYF.
Open resource For daycare providers
Make your program easier to find.
Use these tools to strengthen your program, then tell us which spots you need to fill.
Share your openings01 / Quality
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.
02 / Marketing
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.
03 / Insight
Why families choose one home daycare over another
Trust, communication, schedule, and how the provider makes a family and child feel during the first tour all carry weight.
04 / Operations
How to prepare for a family tour
Tidy the entry, plan a child-friendly moment they can observe, have your policy sheet ready, and follow up the next day with a personal note.
05 / Licensing
DCYF licensing information
Everything you need to know about becoming or staying a licensed provider in Washington State.
Open resource06 / Program
Early Achievers program
Washington's quality recognition and improvement system for licensed providers, with free coaching and resources.
Open resourceHave questions?
Get the answer you need, then go straight to the family or provider form when you are ready.