HomeChild CareWashingtonSeattle Child Care Assistance Program
How to Apply: Seattle Child Care Assistance Program
Washington · 6 StepsWorking or studying families in Seattle with kids 1 month to 12 years, earning too much for state help
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 6: See if you qualify
For families over the state limit
- Live inside Seattle city limits
- Kids 1 month to 12 years
- Family of 4: $78,633-$123,190 a year
Good to know: Open to all Seattle residents no matter citizenship or immigration status.Important: This program is for families who do NOT qualify for state Working Connections Child Care.Step 2 of 6: Pick an approved provider
Over 200 to choose from
- Look at the provider map (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Ask if they have space
Don't miss: Your provider must be on the approved CCAP list. The city cannot pay providers who are not on it.Step 3 of 6: Get your papers ready
- Child's birth certificate
- Bill or lease with your address
- Pay stubs or tax returns
- Work or school schedule
Step 4 of 6: Apply online
Only takes 5-10 minutes
- Fill out the online form (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Upload your papers
- Questions? Call (206) 386-1050
Good to know: Help is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Somali, Amharic, Vietnamese, Oromo, and Tigrinya.Step 5 of 6: Wait for your voucher
About 2-3 weeks
- Review takes 2-3 weeks
- Voucher lasts 12 months
Don't miss: Do not start child care before your voucher is final — payments cannot be backdated past the current month.Step 6 of 6: Start care and save
- City pays provider directly
- You pay the difference
- Save about $7,500 a year
Good to know: The program covers 25-70% of average child care costs — families save about $7,500 a year. Renew once a year.Important: CCAP does not cover registration fees or waitlist deposits.
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Seattle Child Care Assistance Program.
What is the Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps families living within Seattle city limits pay for the cost of child care for children 1 month to 12 years of age. CCAP provides subsidies of 25-70% of the city's average child care cost for eligible parents who are employed or working towards their first degree. With this program, you can expect to save an average of $7,500 annually.
How do I apply for the Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?
You can apply for Seattle CCAP online through the city's application portal:
Online Application:
- Apply online for CCAP
- Application takes 5-10 minutes to complete
- Available 24/7 for your convenience
Application Process:
- Fill out and submit the online application form to DEEL (Department of Education and Early Learning)
- If eligible, you'll be able to complete the enrollment process
- Upload required documentation during enrollment
- Work with the CCAP Intake Team to finalize your voucher
Eligibility Check:
- Use the tool to determine if you live within Seattle city limits
- Review income guidelines based on your family size
- Ensure you're not eligible for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
Provider Selection:
- Find CCAP providers using the provider map
- Download CCAP Provider List (Excel) - sortable by category
- Download CCAP Provider List (PDF) - organized by zip code
How long does it take to receive funds from the Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?
Application Processing Timeline:
- Processing time: 2-3 weeks after complete application and documentation are submitted
- Application time: 5-10 minutes to complete online
- Voucher duration: Standard vouchers are authorized for 12 months; student vouchers are also authorized for 12 months at a time
- Provider response: Education Specialist will contact provider applicants within 48 business hours
Important Timeline Notes:
- You must have a provider selected from the approved CCAP list before a voucher can be issued
- CCAP cannot backdate payments outside of the current month
- Back-payment may be possible during the month your application was submitted and verified eligible
- It's not recommended to start child care without a finalized voucher
What do the application steps look like?
- Check Your Eligibility: Verify you live within Seattle city limits, meet income guidelines (60.01%-94% State Median Income), and are not eligible for WCCC
- Review Income Guidelines:
- Family of 2: $4,456-$6,980 monthly ($53,470-$83,769 annually)
- Family of 3: $5,505-$8,623 monthly ($66,052-$103,479 annually)
- Family of 4: $6,553-$10,265 monthly ($78,633-$123,190 annually)
What documentation is required when I fill out my application?
You will need to provide several types of documentation:
Child Information
- Proof of your child's age (birth certificate, passport, hospital birth records)
- Child must be between 1 month and 12 years old
Residency Verification
- Proof of address showing you live within Seattle city limits
- Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements
- Housing Affidavit Form available for families with housing instability or alternative living situations
Income Documentation
- Proof of your family's gross (pre-tax) income
- Pay stubs, tax returns, self-employment records
- Declaration of Self Employment Income form (available from CCAP Intake Team for business owners)
- Benefits statements if applicable
Activity Verification
- Work schedule documentation
- School enrollment verification (if you're a student)
- Job training program documentation
- Proof of need for child care during specific hours
Provider Information
- Selected provider from the approved CCAP list
- Provider must have availability for your child
- Hours of care needed that align with your work/school schedule
Additional Documentation (as needed)
- Supplemental information based on family circumstances
- Immigration status documentation (program is open to all residents regardless of immigration status)
- Special needs documentation if applicable
Common FAQ's
Q: What are the income requirements for CCAP? A: Your family income must be between 60.01%-94% of State Median Income (SMI). For example, a family of 4 must earn between $6,553-$10,265 monthly. You cannot be eligible for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), which serves families below 60.01% SMI. Students enrolled in degree programs (at least 3 credits) have no minimum income requirement.
Q: Can I use CCAP if I only work part-time or have an unusual schedule? A: Yes! CCAP works with various schedules including part-time work, graveyard shifts, and flexible hours. The CCAP Intake Team will work with your individual schedule to generate a voucher that aligns with your necessary hours of care, including overnight care for shift workers.
Q: What if my current provider isn't on the CCAP list? A: CCAP can only help pay for providers who contract with the City of Seattle. If your provider wants to join CCAP, they can contact DEEL at (206) 386-1050. The provider approval process takes 3 months to 1 year depending on documentation completeness.
Q: Can I use CCAP for multiple providers or split care? A: Yes! If both providers are in the CCAP network, you can arrange split care (like before and after school programs). The CCAP Intake Team will work with you to arrange your voucher schedule between providers.
Q: Are students eligible for CCAP? A: Yes! Parents/guardians seeking their AA, first BA, or first advanced degree (Masters, PhD, MD, JD) are eligible. Students must be enrolled in at least 3 credits per quarter and meet income requirements. Students seeking their first degree have no minimum income requirement.
Who do I contact about my application status?
Main Contact Information:
Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL)
- Email: CCAP@seattle.gov
- Phone: (206) 386-1050
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Application Portal:
Provider Support:
- Email: ccap-provider-help@seattle.gov
- Phone: (206) 386-1050
- Provider Support Page
Language Assistance Available:
- English, Spanish, Chinese, Somali, Amharic, Vietnamese, Oromo, Tigrinya
- Language interpretation services available for all program services
Program Details:
- Website: seattle.gov/education/for-parents/child-care-and-preschool/child-care-assistance-program
- Application Portal: Available 24/7 for online applications
Additional Resources:
Other Child Care Resources (if not eligible for CCAP):
- Working Connections Child Care: (844) 626-8687 for families earning below 60.01% SMI
- BrightSpark: (800) 446-1114
- Best Starts for Kids: (206) 208-6865
Important Program Features:
- Open to all residents: Regardless of citizenship status, race, gender, ethnicity, or developmental need
- Welcoming City: Seattle values inclusion and equity; city employees don't ask about immigration status
- Over 200 providers: High-quality and affordable childcare options contracted with the city
- Flexible scheduling: Accommodates various work and school schedules
- No registration fees covered: CCAP cannot cover registration fees, wait list deposits, or additional fees
- Direct provider payment: City pays providers directly; families pay the difference to providers
- Quality assurance: All providers must meet state licensing and Early Achievers requirements
Special Circumstances:
- Housing instability: Families experiencing housing instability within Seattle can apply if they meet income guidelines
- Self-employment: Special forms available for documenting self-employment income and schedule
- Split care: Multiple providers can be used if both are CCAP-contracted
- Student support: Special provisions for parents pursuing education, including no minimum income for students
Last updated July 16, 2025