Families receive an Award Letter for each child, which includes the child’s subsidy approval details. This letter can be used to verify a child’s eligibility, the family’s subsidy award period, and the subsidy amount. You should check the Award Letter to confirm the child’s subsidy eligibility and ensure the subsidy will cover the care costs. 

During enrollment, you will need to provide your provider license information, complete a W9 (including your EIN), and provide banking details for direct deposit. Additionally, you will need to confirm your care for the children receiving the subsidy.

No, a child care provider may not accept both the Working Connections Subsidy and the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy for the same child. If a family is eligible for the Working Connections Subsidy, they will be asked to apply for that first.

If you need to update your information:
Some business and banking information can be updated directly in the BridgeCare Provider Portal.

For step-by-step help, view the BridgeCare Provider Portal Guide.

If you have changes to your licensing status or business address, or if you need help updating your information, please contact our support team by call or text at (206) 208-6865, or email support@bskchildcare.org.

The W9 is needed to provide your business with the appropriate tax documents. You must provide us with this document to receive payment.

The EIN/Social Security number is needed to provide your business with the appropriate tax documents. You must provide us with this document to receive payment.

If a family owes a previous provider money, they may not enroll with the Best Starts Subsidy Program without a provider verified payment plan.

We also collect monthly information from all providers to ensure families are making any additional agreed upon payments toward the cost of care.

There is no copay, however, providers are free to charge the difference between the subsidy amount and the tuition. We do not cover any copays for other programs.

Payments will be made through direct deposit to your bank account. You will need to provide your banking information during the enrollment process to set up direct deposit.

Payment Request Forms (PRFs) (i.e. attendance verification) are sent out around the 17th of each month. This form requires providers to verify the child’s enrollment. Payments are typically issued within three (3) weeks of accurately submitting the PRF. These payments may be issued in the last two weeks of the month of care or during the following month, depending on when you submit the PRFs.

You should reach out to the subsidy support line.  You can call or text (206)208-6865, or email support@bskchildcare.org.

To report missed payments or any discrepancies, please contact us directly through the Reporting Missed Best Starts Subsidy Payments form.

The Subsidy Payment Authorization (SPA) form outlines the subsidy agreement between the family, the provider, and Best Starts Subsidy. Before payments can be made, both the family and the provider must sign this form. The family signs in the Family Portal, and the provider signs in the Provider Portal. Both signatures must be completed within 30 days of receiving the form. 

How to Sign the Subsidy Payment Authorization

To receive payment, you must first submit a Payment Request Form through the Provider Portal each month. This form reports each child’s attendance, care details, and other required information. Only after submitting the completed form can payments be issued. 

How to Complete the Payment Request Form

Subsidy authorizations for school-age children may change during certain school breaks and summer months. Some adjustments happen automatically, while others require advance notice from the family or documentation to ensure accurate payment.

View the School Break Subsidy Overview for Providers to learn more about automatic changes, summer care rules, temporary provider changes, and extended care hours.

Yes, you can charge families for any difference between the subsidy amount and your full rate.

Subsidy payments are for monthly tuition and won’t be increased to cover registration fees. However, if the subsidy amount exceeds tuition, providers must apply the extra money to unpaid fees or balances on the child’s account. Any remaining funds must be used within that month and do not need to be refunded to the family.

Similar to registration fees, subsidy payments are for monthly tuition and won’t be increased to cover field trip fees. However, if the subsidy amount exceeds tuition, providers must apply the extra money to unpaid fees or balances on the child’s account. Any remaining funds must be used within that month and do not need to be refunded to the family.

If a child stops attending your program you must submit the child’s final date of care on the Payment Request Form or notify us via email, text, or phone.

Yes, if you have any questions or need help with the Best Starts Subsidy program, you can contact the Best Starts Subsidy Support Team. We are here to help clarify any questions about payments, eligibility, or other aspects of the program. Contact us at support@bskchildcare.org or (206) 208-6865. 

If you need assistance in a language other than English, we can provide language support services. Please reach out to the Best Starts Subsidy Team at support@bskchildcare.org or (206) 208-6865 (text or call) to request support in your preferred language.