Early Achievers ratings, explained
Every provider card and page on this site shows an Early Achievers rating when the state lists one. Here's how to read it like the experts do.
What the levels mean
- Level 1 — Licensed. The entry point: the program meets Washington's licensing requirements (safety, training, background checks). Every provider on this site clears this bar by definition.
- Level 2 — Working on quality standards. Enrolled in Early Achievers and actively working through training, self-assessment and coaching against the state's quality standards.
- Levels 3–5 — Rated. Earned through an independent on-site assessment of the learning environment and how teachers interact with children. Higher is stronger; a 3+ in state data sits between 3 and 4.
Source: DCYF — Early Achievers rating system.
Seattle, by the numbers
As of 2026-09-25, 113 of Seattle's 341 licensed programs hold a numeric Early Achievers rating, averaging 3.4 out of 5. You can filter the map to rated programs only ("Has state rating"), or to those rated 3 or higher, 4 or higher, or 5.
The two caveats that matter
- "Not yet rated" is not a red flag. The on-site rating is voluntary and slow to schedule; many excellent programs — especially small independents — simply haven't gone through it. Treat unrated as unknown, and lean on the tour and the paper trail instead.
- A rating is a snapshot. It reflects the room on assessment day; lead-teacher turnover can move quality faster than ratings update in either direction. Pair it with the licensing and inspection history and your own tour.
Quick answers
What is Early Achievers?
Washington’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed child care, run by DCYF. Programs work through quality standards and can be rated on a 1–5 scale, where levels 3–5 reflect an on-site assessment of the learning environment and teacher–child interactions.
What do the Early Achievers levels mean?
Level 1 means the program is licensed — the safety baseline. Level 2 means it is actively working through Early Achievers quality standards (training, self-assessment, coaching). Levels 3–5 are quality ratings earned through an independent on-site observation; higher is stronger. A "3+" in state data sits between 3 and 4.
Is an unrated daycare a bad daycare?
No. Going through the on-site rating is a voluntary, slow process, and many strong programs simply haven't done it — in Seattle, 113 of 341 licensed programs currently hold a numeric rating. Treat "not yet rated" as an unknown, not a warning: weigh the visit and the inspection history instead.
How current is a rating?
A rating is a snapshot from its assessment date, and staff turnover can change a room faster than ratings update. Use it as one signal alongside a tour and the state’s licensing history — never as the whole answer.