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If you are seeking child care, call the Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center: 1-800-446-1114

Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy

For all things Reauthorization 2024...

It’s almost time to get reauthorized!

 

All families in our subsidy program MUST reauthorize to continue participation.

The reauthorization application and all required materials are due no later than September 16, 2024. The Best Starts for Kids Subsidy will cover child care up to the end of your authorization month. For most families, this period ends on October 31, 2024, while for other families, it extends until November 30, 2024.

More information about the reauthorization process can be found in a variety of languages, using the links to the left.

Stay tuned for more details and make sure to mark your calendars!

Do you need to apply for Working Connections Child Care Program before reapplying for Best Starts for Kids Subsidy?

Families are initially responsible for determining if their income falls at or below the limits for the WCCC Program and applying if required.

After the reauthorization application is submitted, the Best Starts Subsidy Team will review the provided income documentation to make the final determination of total gross income.

 

Families at or below 60% of the state median income (SMI) will be required to submit a WCCC denial letter.

 

If you believe it is possible that the reauthorization calculation of your family’s pre-tax income could fall at or close to 60% SMI, we highly encourage you to obtain a WCCC denial letter. We suggest that all families estimating their gross income at 65% or less of the SMI should submit a WCCC denial letter. 

 

If your family’s gross income is above 65% of the SMI, you will not be required to submit a WCCC denial letter.

 

Find more information about WCCC denial letter requirements by clicking on the flyer links!

Enrolled in the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy Program and looking for documents?

Photo of two people posing with young child

The Best Starts for Kids Subsidy is a voter-approved initiative to help every child in King County access high-quality early learning opportunities.

This program is designed to support families who are ineligible for or not well-served by existing subsidy programs.  This program prioritizes families experiencing challenges to accessing child care, and in doing so, seeks to advance equity and eliminate disparities.

If you are missing owed subsidy payments, please let us know here:

Already enrolled and needing support?

Need language support? Need to report something not working correctly? Have questions about the eligibility form or waitlist? Send our family team or our provider team a text, email, or call!

Check back for updates on joining our waitlist!

Our program is currently at full capacity and our waitlist is closed until further notice.  We will update this page when the waitlist re-opens. For updates and announcements regarding the Best Starts Subsidy, such as re-opening the waitlist, follow Best Starts for Kids on social media.

Family Access and Support Team

Community partners supporting families to access child care.