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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

Document Hub

BridgeCare is Live!

BridgeCare is the new system families and providers will use to manage their child care subsidy.

Currently enrolled families and providers will receive an email with instructions on how to log-in to the Family and Provider Portals.

You will be able to log in to check your information, complete tasks, upload documents, and get updates about your subsidy awards. The new portal is easier to use and works on your phone, tablet, or computer.

BridgeCare Family Portal

For Families -

BridgeCare

BridgeCare

BridgeCare is the new system families and providers use to manage their child care subsidy. You can log into your family portal to check your information, complete tasks, upload documents, and get updates about your subsidy awards. The new portal is easier to use and works on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA)

Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA)

A Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA) form is a document that shows the child’s subsidy award and care details. Both the family and provider need to sign it to agree to the program’s terms and confirm the child’s care. -- If you’re filling out the form and clicked a link for more information, please scroll to the FAQ section below to find the details you need.
Requesting Changes to Care

Requesting Changes to Care

A Change Request lets families update their child care details. Families can request a change in provider, a change in the amount of authorized care, or a pause in care through the BridgeCare Family Portal. To add a new infant or another eligible child, families must submit a separate form using the Monday.com link at the bottom of this page.
How to View Payment History (currently available only in CaseWorthy)

How to View Payment History (currently available only in CaseWorthy)

This guide show Best Starts for Kids families how to log into their CASEWORTHY Family Portal and view their Payment History. This feature shows payments made by BrightSpark for care provided from July 2024 to June 2025. Please follow these steps to check your payment history.

If you’re filling out the Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA) form and clicked a link for more information, please read this FAQ section below to find the details you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

BridgeCare Provider Portal

For Providers -

BridgeCare

BridgeCare

BridgeCare is the new system families and providers use to manage their child care subsidy. You can log into your provider portal to check your information, complete tasks, upload documents, and get updates about your subsidy awards. The new portal is easier to use and works on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA)

Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA)

A Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA) form is a document that shows the child’s subsidy award and care details. Both the family and provider need to sign it to agree to the program’s terms and confirm the child’s care. -- If you’re filling out the form and clicked a link for more information, please scroll to the FAQ section below to find the details you need.
Payment Request Forms (PRF) / Attendance

Payment Request Forms (PRF) / Attendance

Payment Request Forms 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 in the provider portal.
Updating Banking Info in BridgeCare

Updating Banking Info in BridgeCare

We’ve moved your existing banking info from our old system to BridgeCare (unless you opted-out). BrightSpark cannot update this information for you, and we can only see part of your banking info for security reasons. If you need to update or add your banking info: You must have admin-level access to your program’s portal. Staff members cannot view or update banking details. You can make changes in the Settings tab in your portal. Then email us to let us know you’ve updated it.
Provider Portal: Tips & Tools

Provider Portal: Tips & Tools

Step-by-step guides to help you use the BridgeCare Provider Portal. Learn how to add staff, view payment statements, and see which families and children are enrolled.

Need a form? Check the links below.

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

Reporting Late or Missed Payments

For families or child care providers to report Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy payments which have not yet been received.

View Form
Family Request to Change Provider

To be completed by families or families with the assistance of a Best Starts Subsidy Family Support Navigator when the family wishes to change child care provider. This includes attending a different site within the same agency. A minimum of two weeks notice must be given.

Family Request for Change in Amount of Authorized Care

To be completed by families or families with the assistance of a Best Starts Subsidy Family Support Navigator. Families may request to change their amount of approved care within the following categories: part-time (0-19 hours per week), full-time (20-50 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. A minimum of two weeks notice must be given.

 

Request for a School-Age Child to Use Alternate Care for a School Break

This form is for families enrolled in the Best Starts for Kids Subsidy program who plan to have their child attend a different child care provider during a school break in the 2024-2025 school year.

 

  • When to Use This Form:
    Fill out this form if your child will attend a different provider (not their regular provider) during the school break. You must submit the form at least two weeks before the requested change.

 

  • When You Don’t Need This Form:
    If your child is staying with their regular provider for the school break, you do not need to fill out this form. Their care will automatically switch to Full-Time (FT) during the break
Family Request to Add an Infant or Other Eligible “New” Child

To be completed by families or families with the assistance of a Best Starts Subsidy Family Support Navigator. This form is for families currently enrolled who wish to add a child. This option is limited to children less than 12 months of age and 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. Families must give at least two weeks notice of the requested addition.

Family Request for a Pause in Care

To be completed by families or with the assistance of a Best Starts Subsidy Family Support Navigator when requesting to pause their subsidy for more than 30 days, up to a maximum of 60 days. The form must specify the reason and duration of the pause, and must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. 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 family moving to the waitlist.

Payment Statement Request

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.

1099 Form Request

 

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.