Licensed centers · official WA DCYF data · Sep 25, 2026
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Daycares in Seattle, WA
Every state-licensed daycare center, preschool and school-age program in Seattle, from official WA DCYF licensing data: ages served, licensed capacity, Early Achievers ratings and published tuition. Family child-care homes are licensed separately and aren't included. Free, no signup.Browse all providers by ZIP →Parent guides →
Every provider here holds a government child-care license — taken from official state licensing data, not ads or paid listings. That's why you'll find small in-home programs and brand-new centers that never show up in a Google search. A license means legal minimums are met and inspections happen; it is not a quality guarantee — always visit in person. How to check a license & inspection history →
Reading a listing
Reading the quality ratings
States rate participating programs (WA Early Achievers & Colorado Shines run 1–5, Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS 1–4; higher = stronger observed teaching & curriculum). Two expert caveats: "Not yet rated" is not a red flag — many excellent programs simply haven't gone through the voluntary process; and a rating is a snapshot, so weigh it alongside your visit and the state's inspection history (the license button in each provider's details). Full guide to Early Achievers ratings →
Washington's licensed maximums for centers. On a tour, count heads — a program beating these ratios is investing where it matters most. Full ratio rules & group sizes →
Each state sets its own maximum number of children per adult, by age — the licensing agency publishes them. On a tour, ask the ratio for your child's room and count heads: a program beating the state's minimum is investing where it matters most.
10 questions experts ask on a tour
What's your staff turnover — how long have the lead teachers been here?
Can I see your last licensing inspection report?
What does a typical day look like, hour by hour?
How do you handle discipline and conflicts between kids?
(Infants) Walk me through your safe-sleep practices.
How and when do you tell me about my child's day? (photos, app, notes)
What's your sick-child policy — and your backup-staffing plan?
How much outdoor time daily, in what weather?
What are ALL the costs — registration, deposit, supplies, late pickup?
How does the waitlist actually work, and what's the real timeline?
Costs shown here are provider-published rates — always confirm. If cost is a barrier: every state runs a child-care subsidy (in WA, Working Connections), many cities add programs (e.g., Seattle Preschool Program's sliding scale), and a Dependent Care FSA through your employer can pay up to $7,500/yr of care pre-tax (limit raised from $5,000 starting 2026). Nonprofits and co-ops often have their own scholarships — ask. Full guide to subsidies & programs → · What care costs in Seattle →
Data: official state licensing records — this metro's data date is shown by the metro picker and in the page footer · Independent, free & ad-free · Not affiliated with any government agency or provider.