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Ways Families Can Reduce Child Care Costs
Child care is an important investment, but many families qualify for programs that can help reduce the cost of care. At Just Like Home Daycare Center, we want families to understand the assistance options that may be available, including center-accepted subsidy programs, Washington State child care assistance programs, preschool support options like ECEAP, and federal tax credits that may help with child care expenses.
This guide covers the programs accepted by our center, state child care assistance programs in Washington, federal child care tax credits, and additional ways families may be able to save on child care.
Center-Specific Subsidies & Discounts
Child Care Assistance Programs Accepted at Just Like Home Daycare Center
Just Like Home Daycare Center accepts multiple assistance options that can lower tuition, including WCCC/DSHS, ECEAP, Tribal assistance, military fee support, and select center discounts.
Each program has different rules and paperwork. Apply through the appropriate agency first, then contact our team for provider details needed for enrollment.
Working Connections Child Care / WCCC
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families pay for care while parents work, attend school, or join approved training.
We accept WCCC/DSHS assistance. If approved, families typically pay their assigned copay and any remaining balance.
For current rules, review the official DCYF WCCC page. To apply online, use Washington Connection Apply Now.
DSHS Child Care Assistance
Many families call this support DSHS child care assistance. If you are looking for daycare that accepts DSHS in Lakewood, our team can help you understand next steps.
After approval, we can provide provider details needed for enrollment and payment setup.
ECEAP Preschool Assistance
ECEAP is Washington's free state-funded preschool program for eligible 3- to 5-year-olds.
It focuses on school readiness and differs from general child care subsidy programs. Learn more on the official DCYF ECEAP page.
Ask our team how ECEAP may connect with preschool enrollment at Just Like Home Daycare Center.
Tribal Child Care Assistance
We accept Tribal child care assistance for eligible families.
Eligibility and payment rules vary by Tribe, so families should contact their Tribal child care office first. Our team can then provide required provider details.
Military Child Care Aware / Military Fee Assistance
We accept military fee-assistance programs for eligible families who need community-based care.
Families near JBLM can review options and create requests through MilitaryChildCare.com.
Once you start the process, we can provide verification forms and provider information.
Military Discount
We also offer a military discount. Contact us for current terms, eligibility, and whether it can be combined with approved assistance.
State Child Care Assistance Programs
Child Care Subsidy Programs in Washington
Washington offers programs that can lower child care costs for eligible families while parents work, attend school, or complete approved training.
For families in Lakewood, the two key programs are WCCC and ECEAP. For an overview, visit the DCYF child care assistance page.
Working Connections Child Care
WCCC is Washington's main child care subsidy program and can cover a portion of approved child care costs.
Eligibility depends on factors like income, household size, residency, and approved activities such as work, school, or training.
For eligibility and application details, review the official DCYF WCCC page.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program / ECEAP
ECEAP is Washington's free preschool program for eligible children and focuses on school readiness.
It is different from general child care subsidy programs because it is specifically for preschool-age children.
Families can review requirements and local provider steps on the official DCYF ECEAP page.
Who Qualifies for Child Care Subsidies?
Eligibility varies by program but usually includes income, household size, residency, and parent activity such as work, school, or training.
ECEAP also considers child age, family circumstances, and local program availability.
Because rules differ, confirm eligibility through the appropriate program pages before applying.
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance
Apply through the program that fits your family. To start online, use Washington Connection Apply Now.
Most applications require household, income, activity, and child information, plus your selected provider details.
If you need provider information from Just Like Home during the process, our team can help with the next steps.
Federal Tax Credits & Child Care FSA (2026 Update)
Federal Tax Benefits That Help With Child Care Costs
Tax credits can reduce taxes dollar-for-dollar, and some are partially refundable. The amounts below reflect current IRS guidance available in 2026 and may change by tax year.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Eligible families may claim up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 potentially refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit, based on income and eligibility. See the IRS Child Tax Credit page.
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Families may claim 20% to 35% of qualifying care expenses so a parent or guardian can work or look for work, based on income. The expense limit is up to $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more. See IRS Child and Dependent Care Credit.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Some employers offer a Dependent Care FSA, which generally allows up to $5,000 in pre-tax contributions per household each year ($2,500 if married filing separately). Learn more in IRS Publication 503.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families reduce taxes owed and may increase refunds. Credit amounts vary by income, filing status, and number of qualifying children. See the IRS Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) page.
Additional Ways Families Can Save on Child Care
Additional Ways Families Can Save on Child Care
In addition to WCCC, ECEAP, DSHS, Tribal and military assistance, and federal tax credits, families may have other ways to lower child care costs.
Ask About Current Discounts
Ask our team about current discounts, including our military discount. Availability and eligibility can vary.
Check Employer Benefits
Some employers offer dependent care benefits, child care reimbursements, or flexible spending accounts. Check with your HR team to see what is available.
Use a Dependent Care FSA
Some families can use a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible child care expenses.
Confirm contribution limits and eligibility rules with your employer or benefits provider.
Keep Child Care Payment Records
Keep records of tuition payments, approvals, copays, receipts, and tax documents. Good records can help with applications, renewals, and tax filing.
Talk With Our Team Early
If you plan to use WCCC, DSHS, ECEAP, Tribal, or military assistance, contact our team early so we can share any provider details needed before your child's start date.
Have Questions About Child Care Assistance in Lakewood?
Our team can help you understand the next steps for using financial assistance at Just Like Home Daycare Center.