ZIP code 98003 has 52 licensed childcare providers registered with WA state authorities — infant care, toddler programs, preschools, and school-age centers. All listings are sourced from official state licensing databases with active permits.

When comparing daycare centers near 98003, focus on: staff-to-child ratio, curriculum approach, safety inspection history, and whether the center accepts CCAP subsidies. Use our 30-point tour checklist before making a decision.

How to Choose Daycare Near 98003

Define your needs — age of child, full-time vs part-time, budget, schedule
Search and shortlist — all 52 licensed centers near 98003 are listed above
Call ahead — confirm openings, subsidy acceptance, and tour availability
Tour at least 3 centers — use our 30-point checklist
Verify license status — confirm on WA's official licensing portal

Related Resources

All Centers in WA → Childcare Subsidies → Tour Checklist (30 Q) → Cost Calculator → Safety Guide → Search All Centers →

Frequently Asked Questions — Daycare Near 98003

How many daycare centers are near ZIP code 98003?

There are 52 licensed childcare centers in and around ZIP 98003 in Federal way, WA. All hold active state licenses sourced from official WA licensing databases.

What is the average cost of daycare near 98003?

Daycare costs near 98003 in WA: infant care $900–$1,800/month; toddler programs $700–$1,200/month; preschool $600–$1,100/month. CCAP subsidies can reduce costs by 50–90% for eligible families.

Are the daycare centers near 98003 licensed?

Yes — all 52 centers listed for ZIP 98003 hold active WA childcare licenses, sourced directly from the official state licensing database.

Does WA offer childcare subsidies near 98003?

WA participates in the federal CCDF program. Families near 98003 may qualify for CCAP assistance based on income. Visit childcare.gov or your local social services office to apply.

What age groups are served by daycares near 98003?

Centers near 98003 serve: infants (0–12 mo) — 13 centers; toddlers (1–3 yrs); preschool (3–5 yrs) — 18 programs; school-age (5+). Call ahead to confirm openings.

How do I choose the best daycare near 98003?

Visit at least 3 centers near 98003, check staff ratios, safety features, and curriculum. Use our free 30-point checklist at /checklist before enrolling.

What is the staff-to-child ratio at daycares near 98003?

WA requires: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers. Always confirm the current ratio before enrolling at any center near 98003.

Are there Head Start programs near ZIP 98003?

Head Start offers free federally-funded programs for income-eligible families. Search 'Head Start' in our directory for 98003 or visit headstart.gov.

Can I tour a daycare near 98003 before enrolling?

Yes — and you should. Call ahead to schedule a tour at any center near 98003. Use our 30-point checklist at /checklist to evaluate each facility.

What documents do I need to enroll in daycare near 98003?

Typical requirements: birth certificate, immunization records, emergency contacts, custody docs if applicable, and proof of income for subsidies. Confirm with each center near 98003.

Need In-Home Childcare Near 98003?

Care.com has 1M+ background-checked sitters, nannies, and home daycare providers near you.

Find a Sitter on Care.com →

Last updated: May 21, 2026 · Sourced from WA official childcare licensing database · Privacy Policy

Helpful resources for parents choosing childcare

May 20, 2026

What to Pack for Daycare: The Complete Checklist by Age (2026)

A half-packed daycare bag means a 7am call to come back. This age-by-age checklist — infant, toddler, preschool — covers exactly what to bring, what to label, and what most parents forget.

May 20, 2026

Daycare Sick Policy: When to Keep Your Child Home (2026 Guide)

Fever? Green snot? One loose stool? Daycare sick policies confuse every new parent. Here are the standard exclusion rules most US centers follow — based on CDC and AAP guidance — and exactly when your child can return.

May 12, 2026

Daycare Separation Anxiety: 7-Day Transition Plan That Works

Separation anxiety peaks between 9 and 18 months. The right transition plan turns drop-off tears into a 60-second goodbye — usually within a week. Here's the day-by-day playbook backed by attachment research.

View All Articles

Childcare Guides for Parents

Childcare Subsidy Programs by State: 2026 Complete Guide

Read guide →

Childcare Tax Credits and FSA: How to Save Up to $8,000 a Year

Read guide →

Daycare Safety Checklist: What to Look For Before You Enroll

Read guide →

How to Choose a Daycare Center: Complete Guide for Parents

Read guide →

Where to get childcare help in Federal way (98003)

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

Childcare resources

Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.

.gov childcare.gov

Office of Child Care — childcare.gov

Federal subsidy & CCDF program info

.gov www.acf.hhs.gov

HHS Administration for Children & Families

Child Care & Development Fund oversight

.gov eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov

Head Start Center Locator (HHS)

Free programs for income-eligible families

www.childcareaware.org

ChildCare Aware of America

Annual cost reports & state data

childcaredeserts.org

Child Care Deserts (Center for American Progress)

Local supply-vs-demand research by county

How this data is sourced. Listings for ZIP 98003 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

Daycare Centers Near ZIP 98003

52 Licensed Centers Near 98003

Programs Near 98003 by Age Group

Infant Care

Toddler

Preschool

School-Age

Childcare Subsidies Near 98003

Estimate Your Childcare Cost Near 98003

Compare Daycare Waitlists on Winnie

Finding Daycare Near ZIP 98003 in Federal way, WA

How to Choose Daycare Near 98003

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions — Daycare Near 98003

Need In-Home Childcare Near 98003?

Related Articles

What to Pack for Daycare: The Complete Checklist by Age (2026)

Daycare Sick Policy: When to Keep Your Child Home (2026 Guide)

Daycare Separation Anxiety: 7-Day Transition Plan That Works

Childcare Guides for Parents

Where to get childcare help in Federal way (98003)

Childcare resources