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Seattle Child Care Assistance Program

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:

Application Process:

  1. Fill out and submit the online application form to DEEL (Department of Education and Early Learning)
  2. If eligible, you'll be able to complete the enrollment process
  3. Upload required documentation during enrollment
  4. Work with the CCAP Intake Team to finalize your voucher

Eligibility Check:

Provider Selection:

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?

  1. 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
  2. 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)
  3. Select Your Provider: Choose from over 200 contracted high-quality and affordable childcare providers using the provider list or map
  4. Complete Online Application: Fill out the application form which takes 5-10 minutes
  5. Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of child's age, address, and family income
  6. Submit Documentation: Upload all required documents through the online portal
  7. Work with CCAP Intake Team: A team member will review your application and may request additional information
  8. Receive Voucher: If approved, you'll receive a voucher that covers part of your child care costs
  9. Start Services: Begin using your approved provider and pay the difference between the CCAP subsidy and the provider's rate
  10. Annual Renewal: Maintain your voucher through annual updates and renewals

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:

Language Assistance Available:

  • English, Spanish, Chinese, Somali, Amharic, Vietnamese, Oromo, Tigrinya
  • Language interpretation services available for all program services

Program Details:

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