Working Connections Child Care in Bellevue

A plain language guide for Bellevue parents using Washington's child care subsidy, and how to start care at a licensed home daycare in 98007.

What Working Connections is

Working Connections Child Care, often called WCCC or the child care subsidy, is a Washington State program run by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). It helps eligible families pay for child care while parents work or take part in other approved activities. When a family qualifies and chooses an eligible licensed provider, the state pays part of the cost and the family pays a monthly copayment to the provider.

Zamzam Family Home Daycare is a licensed child care home in the Crossroads neighborhood of Bellevue and welcomes families who use Working Connections.

Step one

Who may qualify

Families with income at or below 60 percent of the state median income, adjusted for family size, who meet the other rules.

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The family must live in Washington, and parents generally need an approved activity such as working. Some groups have special rules, including families whose child is enrolled in Birth to 3 ECEAP or Early Head Start. DCYF decides eligibility, not the daycare, so the best way to know is to apply.

Washington updated income limits and copayment groups for eligibility periods starting October 1, 2026. DCYF lists new monthly copayments from $0 up to $297 depending on income and family size.

Step two

How to apply

Apply online at washingtonconnection.org or call the DCYF Child Care Subsidy Contact Center at 844-626-8687.

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You do not need to have a provider before you apply. DCYF gathers and reviews your information and lets you know if your family qualifies. If you already know you want Zamzam, you can give DCYF our name and phone number, (206) 334-2329, during the process.

Step three

Choose a licensed provider

Once approved, you enroll your child with a licensed provider and report it to DCYF.

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This is the moment many parents are told to look for a home daycare in their area. A family home daycare near your house or job means shorter drives, a smaller group, and caregivers who know your child well. Book a tour with us to see the home and ask your questions.

Step four

Care begins

DCYF sends us an authorization, you pay your copayment, and DCYF pays us for the approved care.

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DCYF tells the provider how much care it will pay for and pays the provider monthly. We handle that side with DCYF so you can focus on work. If your schedule or hours change, tell both DCYF and us so your authorization stays correct.

Please note: Eligibility, copayments and program rules are set by DCYF and can change. For official details, visit dcyf.wa.gov or call 844-626-8687. For help finding child care, the Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center is at 1-800-446-1114.

Can I use Working Connections at a home daycare instead of a center?

Yes. Working Connections can be used with licensed child care providers, which includes licensed family child care homes like Zamzam.

Do I pay anything?

Most families pay a monthly copayment directly to the provider. DCYF sets the amount based on your income and family size.

Does Working Connections cover early morning or evening care?

Your authorization covers the care DCYF approves for your schedule. Since we are open 5 AM to 11 PM on weekdays, tell DCYF your real work hours so your authorization fits them.