Working Connections Childcare

Do you or someone you know need help paying for childcare? There is a new opportunity for low-income folks in our communities that need assistance with child care called Working Connections Child Care Program. 

The Working Connections Child Care Program helps low income families pay for childcare expenses while their parents are working, looking for work, or in an approved training program.  This program is funded by state and federal funds, and is administered by DSHS.  There is also a separate pot of funding for seasonal or agricultural workers for this program. 

Here is the process for the parent:

1.  Select a licensed child care provider or if you don’t know anyone in your community, find one by calling WA State Child Care Aware at (800) 466-1114 or at childcarenet.org.

2. Have proof of income (3 months of paystubs, last year’s tax return, OR a letter from your employer stating wages and hours).

3. Fill out an application: online at washingtonconnection.org; by phone at  1 (877) 501-2233; or in person at any DSHS Community Service Organization.

4. Mail, fax or deliver your documents to DSHS.

5. Confirm receipt of documents

6. Be persistent by following-up every few days to make sure your application is moving through the process.

7. Wait for approval; it takes an average of 17 days.  If you are denied child care assistance and believe you have been wrongfully denied, there is an appeals process.

8. Once approved, the selected child care provider and the parent gets a notice and they can  begin the child care.

WA State has budgeted this child care subsidy for 33,500 families from July 1st, 2012 – July 2013.  Currently, 22,500 families are accessing this resource.  This means we have 11,500 slots to fill by this November; if we don’t, the legislature will surely cut the budget for this program. So please spread the word about Working Connections Childcare to your friends and family.