What is the average cost of daycare in Washington State?
What is the average cost of daycare in Washington State?
$1,200 – $2,500 average cost per month (infant)
$900 – $2,000 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Washington State
The average cost of daycare in Washington is $900 to $2,500 per month or $10,800 to $30,000 per year. Costs depend on your child's age, the type of provider, and the city. Daycare costs in Seattle can easily reach $2,500 to $3,600 per month. Washington State has some of the highest childcare prices in the nation.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,200 – $2,500 | $14,400 – $30,000 |
| Toddler | $900 – $2,000 | $10,800 – $24,000 |
*For full-time care
Center vs. in-home daycare cost in Washington
Daycare centers offer more structure but are pricier, with costs ranging from $1,100 to $2,500 per month. In-home daycares offer smaller child-to-staff ratios and lower prices of $900 to $1,600 per month. The table below shows average prices state-wide:
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,400 – $2,500 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Toddler | $1,100 – $2,000 | $900 – $1,400 |
*For full-time care
Average daycare cost in Washington State for infants
Full-time infant care costs $1,200 to $2,500 or more in Washington State. Part-time care costs less, although many daycares have across-the-board prices that stay the same regardless of how many hours your child is there.
The following table shows average infant childcare costs in Washington.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Part-time | $600 – $1,300 |
Average cost of childcare in Washington State for toddlers
Average toddler daycare prices in Washington are $1,100 to $2,000 per month for full-time care, with lower part-time rates. Program quality, extras, and location significantly impact prices.
The following table shows average toddler childcare costs in Washington.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $900 – $2,000 |
| Part-time | $500 – $1,200 |
What affects daycare costs in Washington?
The following factors impact daycare costs in Washington:
Child's age: Infants are costliest because they require more time and attention. The law requires daycare to enroll fewer infants per teacher and per room than other ages.
Program quality: High-quality programs and those with extra educational enrichment charge more.
Location: Metropolitan areas, especially Seattle, have higher prices.
Staff qualifications: Certified or highly experienced staff may mean higher rates.
Included services: Most daycares include meals and activities for full-time care, while others charge extra. Most daycares require you to provide all diapers and extra clothes for your child.
Many daycare centers offer lower rates for families with multiple children, families that pay tuition by the month or year, or military and first responders.
Regional differences
Daycare is most expensive in Seattle and King County, with rates commonly reaching $2,500 to $3,600 per month. Rates taper off in rural areas like Lewis County or smaller cities like Olympia or Tacoma. In-home centers may have lower costs and better availability outside major metro areas.
Daycare vs. other childcare
There are alternatives to traditional daycares that offer more flexibility, but they tend to cost more:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,500 to $2,250 per month.
Daycare assistance in Washington
Washington offers several financial aid programs for childcare:
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC): This is the main program for working families needing financial help with childcare costs, including emergency assistance for families in crisis.
Seasonal Child Care: This is a specific subsidy within the WCCC for families with temporary employment.
ECEAP: Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) helps with care for children ages 3 to 4.
Head Start: Head Start is a federal program that provides school readiness for toddlers and preschoolers.
FAQs about daycare in Washington State
Do all daycare providers in Washington need a license?
Yes, Washington requires all daycare providers caring for children from more than one family to be licensed. Licensing ensures the provider meets safety, health, staffing, and training regulations. Always verify the current license status before enrolling your child to ensure a safe and quality environment.
Can I visit and observe my child's daycare at any time?
Yes. Washington state licensing laws grant parents the right to visit and observe their child's care at any time during operating hours without prior notice. This helps you stay informed and involved in your child's daily experience.
How far ahead should I start looking for daycare in Washington?
It's best to begin searching at least 6 to 12 months before your child needs care. Many popular daycare centers, especially in Seattle and nearby cities, have waitlists. Early planning lets you tour centers, compare programs, complete enrollment paperwork, and secure a spot.
How can I tell if a daycare meets quality and safety standards?
Look for a licensed daycare with a good reputation. Verify their license status online, ask about staff qualifications and training, and observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment during your visit. Washington's Early Achievers program rates quality childcare providers, which can help guide your choice.
Do daycares in Washington include meals and snacks?
Many daycare providers in Washington include meals and snacks in the tuition price, but policies vary. Some require parents to supply food or charge extra for meals. Confirm the specific meal plan and associated costs during your visit or consultation.
How to find the best daycare near you
Choosing the right daycare is a crucial decision that impacts your child's growth and your family's peace of mind. To find a quality daycare provider in Washington, follow these key steps:
Start by checking reviews of daycare centers near you on TrustedCare and Google to hear feedback from local families.
Visit each daycare in person to observe the environment, daily routine, and how caregivers interact with children.
Meet with the director and teachers to discuss their qualifications, experience, and philosophy on early childhood education.
Ensure the facility is clean, safe, and has age-appropriate equipment along with adequate indoor and outdoor play areas.
Inquire about the daycare's hours of operation, holiday closures, base tuition fees, and what services and supplies the tuition covers.
Verify that the daycare holds a current Washington State license and ask if there have been any violations or complaints.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these questions to help you compare providers and identify the best fit for your family:
How long have you been serving families in Washington State?
What are your hours of operation, and which holidays do you close for?
What is the child-to-staff ratio in my child's age group?
What credentials and certifications do your teachers and staff hold?
Are all staff members up to date with CPR and first aid certifications required by the state?
What educational programs and enrichment activities do you provide?
Which meals and snacks are served to children during the day?
What supplies or services are included in your base tuition cost?
How much outdoor playtime do children get each day?
What is your policy for children who are sick?
How do you approach discipline and behavior management?
How will you communicate my child's daily activities and progress to me?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.