Licensed Daycare in Bellingham, Washington
114 licensed daycares in Bellingham, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Washington licensing records.
Bellingham listings updated May 2026 from official Washington records.
Daycare in Bellingham: what parents should know
Bellingham has 114 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 32% 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 Bellingham spans 4+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.
Combined, Bellingham's licensed centers hold about 5,959 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Bellingham childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Bellingham
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 Bellingham 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 overviewQuick 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
- 52 kids
Program types in Bellingham
Largest licensed centers in Bellingham
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Bellingham licensed centers
Page 1 of 3Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Bellingham, Washington?
What's the average daycare cost in Bellingham?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Bellingham daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Bellingham?
How do I verify a Bellingham daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Bellingham
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programWorking Connections Child Care (WCCC) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(877) 501-2233 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Official license searchChildcare resources for Bellingham
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Bellingham, 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 114 Licensed Centers in Bellingham
Free, no signup, verified directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).