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Licensed Daycare in Bellevue, Washington

198 licensed daycares in Bellevue, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Washington licensing records.

198
Licensed Centers
198
Programs
$1,480/mo
Washington avg infant
1:4
State infant ratio

Bellevue listings updated May 2026 from official Washington records.

Daycare in Bellevue: what parents should know

Our directory lists 198 licensed childcare providers in Bellevue, Washington, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 45% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Washington license at indexing time, sourced from Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Licensed care in Bellevue spans 5+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.

In total, Bellevue providers are approved for approximately 17,952 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Bellevue childcare by the numbers

198
Licensed providers
17,952
Licensed child seats
5+
ZIP codes covered
Local guide Researched for Bellevue · reviewed May 2026

The Bellevue childcare landscape

Bellevue anchors Seattle's Eastside — a tech-heavy, high-income market (Microsoft, Amazon, and more) — and its childcare prices are among the highest in Washington. The same state programs apply, but here employer benefits and private-pay options dominate the conversation.

Free preschool and employer benefits

Washington's ECEAP (free state preschool for income-eligible children) and federal Head Start operate on the Eastside, but in higher-income Bellevue many families lean on private pre-K and employer childcare benefits — backup care, subsidies, and on-site centers are common at the area's large tech employers, so check what your company offers.

Subsidies and quality

The state subsidy is Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) for eligible families; income limits have expanded in recent years. Check a provider's Early Achievers rating — Washington's quality system — alongside any NAEYC accreditation.

How licensing works

Child care in Washington is licensed and inspected by the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). Licensing status and inspection history are public — confirm a provider is licensed and in good standing before enrolling.

Neighborhoods and cost

Bellevue and the Eastside are among the priciest markets in the state — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,900–$2,600/month. Downtown Bellevue, the Bridle Trails area, and nearby Redmond and Kirkland are all premium and competitive, with long waitlists at the most sought-after centers.

When to start looking

For infant care, Eastside waitlists are long — tour and list during pregnancy where possible, and check employer benefits early. ECEAP and Head Start have set application windows ahead of the fall.

Childcare costs in Bellevue

ChildCare Aware reports the Washington average full-time cost at $1,480/month for infant care and $1,100/month for preschool. City-level prices in Bellevue vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Washington families may also qualify for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) (intake: (877) 501-2233).

Full Washington licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator
Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:7
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg capacity
90 kids

Largest licensed centers in Bellevue

By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.

All Bellevue licensed centers

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Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.

Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Bellevue, Washington?
Our directory lists 198 licensed childcare centers in Bellevue, Washington, sourced from Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.
What's the average daycare cost in Bellevue?
Statewide averages in Washington run roughly $1480/month for infants and $1100/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Bellevue daycares?
All licensed Washington centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Bellevue typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Bellevue?
Washington families can apply for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) (intake: (877) 501-2233). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.
How do I verify a Bellevue daycare's license?
Look up the provider directly in the official Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.

Where to get childcare help in Bellevue

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours
Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org
Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program
State subsidy

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(877) 501-2233 · How to apply
Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care
Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Official license search

How this data is sourced. Listings for Bellevue, Washington are compiled from official Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology

Search 198 Licensed Centers in Bellevue

Free, no signup, verified directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

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