Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy
Whether you’re applying for the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy, currently receiving subsidy, a child care provider, or a community partner, you can find forms, guides, videos, and other resources here.
Our support team includes staff who speak Spanish and Somali, and we can provide free phone interpretation for many other languages.
Have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Best Starts Child Care Subsidy team is here to help.
We have staff who speak Spanish and Somali, and we offer free phone interpretation in many other languages.
Contact Us →
Phone or Text: 206-208-6865
*By texting, you consent to receive SMS messages. Standard rates apply.
Email: support@bskchildcare.org
If you can’t find what you need, please reach out to us. Call, text, or email us at support@bskchildcare.org | (206) 208-6865
A Change Request lets currently enrolled families update their child care details.
Families can request:
● a change in provider (including temporary changes for school breaks)
● a change in the amount of authorized care
● a temporary pause in care
Families may request to change their amount of approved care within the following categories: part-time (0-24 hours per week), full-time (25-50 hours per week), and extended care (more than 50 hours per week). Requests for extended care for children of any age require supporting documentation. Requests for full time care for school-age children also require supporting documentation.
Families should submit a request form when they wish to pause a child’s subsidy for more than 30 days, up to a maximum of 60 days. Families may only request two pauses in care per year. Pauses longer than 60 days require an approved exemption request or will result in the child’s disenrollment from the subsidy program.
Currently enrolled families can complete this request form (one per child) or can email, call or text the Best Starts Subsidy Team for assistance.
A minimum of two weeks’ notice must be given for all changes.
This form is for families who are already enrolled in the Best Starts Subsidy Program.
You can use it to report major changes to your household or to request a new calculation of your child(ren)’s subsidy for one of the following reasons:
● Adding a new child to your household*
● Adding a new adult to your household
● Removing an adult from your household (with a decrease in income)
● Reporting a significant decrease in income for another reason
It may take up to 2 weeks for our team to process your request. We cannot guarantee that changes will be authorized sooner.
*Please note: Families may request to add a child that is less than 12 months of age or on case-by-case approval for unique circumstances such as, gaining new custody of a child not previously part of the family’s household, or children with medical, behavioral, or developmental needs. Other children must be added to your subsidy during your reauthorization (renewal) period.
Payment Request Forms (PRFs) are used by providers to confirm child care details during a certain month. They show the days the child attended and help the program send the correct payment. They will be available on the 17th of each month and must be completed in the provider portal.
Providers can email, call or text the Best Starts Subsidy Team for assistance.
For families or child care providers to report Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy payments which have not yet been received.
Families and Providers may request a statement of Best Starts Subsidy payments made by BrightSpark. Families may request a copy of all or a segment of payments made on their child’s behalf. Providers may request a statement of all, or a segment, of payments made to their child care program.
Providers may request a re-send of their 1099 form from BrightSpark Early Learning Services. This will contain any Best Starts Subsidy payments made by BrightSpark issued in 2024.
Providers may also email ccrvendors@childcare.org to request a resend of the electronic copy from Track1099, request a blank W-9 to update their information, or request a copy of their 1099 from 2023.
Providers seeking a 1099 from Scholar Fund for previous years (2022 or 2023) should email bsk@scholarfundwa.org.
