Child care resources during the pandemic

Key child care resources available for Washington state families

Washington State Department of HealthFollow

Aug 21 · 3 min read

As schools, child care centers, and workplaces were forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic, many working parents found themselves trying to balance work demands and child care for their children. Many of us have turned to relatives, friends, church groups and community center programs for child care or help with online schoolwork.

Things look a little different now that Washington state has reopened and kids are enjoying summer break. Yet, child care continues to be an essential need for many families. To help, we have gathered child care resources available in Washington, because for parents and guardians, keeping children safe is the number-one priority.

And these days, that still means keeping our children home if our friends, family members or child care providers have been exposed to, or have tested positive for, COVID-19. We know that children are at lower risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19, but they can still spread COVID-19 to others who are more vulnerable.

So let’s protect and keep our children and child care providers safe by making sure to follow the guidelines provided for group child care settings.

Child Care Resources

ParentHelp123
This is an excellent site and hotline where you can find local resources for child care, pregnancy, child development, food assistance and programs for families. ParentHelp123 also provides a variety of screening tools that will help you recognize your child’s developmental stages and learn how to support their development from birth to 6 years.

Child Care Aware of Washington
This organization provides information and support to families seeking quality child care. You can complete this form (available only in English) or call the Family Center at 1–800–446–1114 (press 3 for support in Spanish) to find child care options near you, local resources, or help paying for child care.

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
WCCC (website only in English) helps eligible families in Washington pay for child care while they work, look for work, or go to school. Families qualify for help based on their income.

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
ECEAP offers free preschool programs for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children from families furthest from opportunity or children with special needs or situations in Washington state. In some locations, ECEAP also offers services for pregnant people and children younger than 3 years old. To enroll a child, contact an ECEAP location near you.

Head Start
This federal program (website only in English) helps children from birth to age 5 with early child care and preschool. In some locations, Head Start also offers prenatal services to pregnant people. To enroll a child, contact the Head Start agency near you.

Many organizations and service providers offer language assistance. If you communicate best in a language other than English, make sure to let the organization know so they can connect you with support.

More information

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Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.