Help Paying for Preschool in Washington (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Washington families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start in Washington
Head Start is free, federally funded preschool (ages 3–5; Early Head Start under 3) for families at or below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 for a family of four in Washington (2026) — and it's free regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. See the full income limits by household size → · Find a Washington program →
Public pre-K in Washington
Washington's public pre-K, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), is income- or risk-based (age 3 or 4 by August 31; income-based (~36% of state median income) plus at-risk criteria; becomes an entitlement for eligible children starting 2026-27). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Washington program info →
Childcare subsidy in Washington
Separate from preschool programs, Washington's childcare subsidy — Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) — helps working families pay for care (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to below 60% of the state median income at application — measured against your state's median income, a higher ceiling than the federal poverty line. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Washington
See also: when your child can start school in Washington · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.