By Jenniffer Paez
Quick Answer: Yes — Pequeños Genios accepts Washington’s Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy, administered through DSHS/DCYF. Eligible families pay a reduced monthly copay based on income and family size, while the state covers the rest. We’re happy to walk you through the process.
What Is WCCC, and How Does It Work?
WCCC stands for Working Connections Child Care — Washington State’s main child care subsidy program. It’s designed to help eligible families pay for child care while a parent or guardian works, attends school, or participates in an approved training program. The program is funded by both state and federal dollars and administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), with DSHS handling certain applications and referrals.
Families who qualify choose their own child care provider — like Pequeños Genios — and DCYF pays a portion of the cost directly to that provider. Most families also pay a monthly copayment, calculated based on household income and family size, with the state covering the remainder.
Are We an Approved WCCC Provider?
Yes. Pequeños Genios is a licensed home childcare provider with Washington State DCYF, and we accept WCCC subsidy payments. If your family is approved for WCCC and chooses us as your provider, we’ll handle the authorization and billing side directly with DCYF, so you’re not navigating that paperwork alone.
Who Generally Qualifies for WCCC?
Eligibility is based on household income — generally at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI), which is adjusted for family size — along with a qualifying activity, typically employment, school, or an approved training program. Income limits and copay amounts are reviewed and updated periodically by the state, so the most accurate way to know exactly where your family stands is to apply directly. (You can also check our Tuition page to see current rates before applying.)
How Do I Apply?
Families apply for WCCC through DSHS, not through us directly. The easiest way to start is online through Washington Connection at washingtonconnection.org, though applications can also be completed by phone or in person at a local Community Service Office. Once you’re approved, you’ll list Pequeños Genios as your chosen provider, and we’ll take it from there.
What If I’m Not Sure Whether I Qualify?
Apply anyway! Eligibility depends on several factors specific to your household, and the application itself is free. Many families assume they won’t qualify and are surprised to find out otherwise — and even partial assistance can make a real difference in your monthly childcare costs.
Where Can I Find a DSHS/WCCC-Approved Daycare in Sultan, WA?
Pequeños Genios in Sultan, WA is a licensed, DSHS/WCCC-approved childcare provider — meaning families who qualify for Washington’s child care subsidy can use it toward care at our home-based program.
What Makes Pequeños Genios Unique?
We believe quality bilingual, Montessori Hybrid childcare shouldn’t be out of reach for working families. That’s why we accept Washington’s WCCC subsidy and walk approved families through the provider side of the process ourselves.
We’re a licensed, home-based childcare provider serving children ages 3 months through 13 years, Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We’re currently a Level 3 Plus Early Achievers program, continuing to grow toward even higher levels, and our bilingual Spanish-English, Montessori Hybrid curriculum runs through everything we do, every day.
Want to learn more or see if we’re the right fit for your family? Email us at [email protected] or call us at (360) 554-9353 — we’re happy to answer questions or schedule a tour. You can also visit our Contact Us page to get started.
FAQ on DSHS and WCCC childcare assistance
Does Pequeños Genios accept DSHS or WCCC childcare assistance?
Yes. We’re a licensed DSHS/DCYF provider and accept Washington’s Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy for eligible families.
How do I know if my family qualifies for WCCC?
Eligibility depends on household income relative to the State Median Income and a qualifying activity like work, school, or training. The only way to know for certain is to apply directly through DSHS.
Where do I apply for WCCC?
You can apply online through Washington Connection, by phone, or in person at a local Community Service Office. We’re happy to point you in the right direction if you have questions.
Will I still have to pay anything out of pocket?
Most WCCC-approved families pay a monthly copayment based on income and family size, while the state covers the remaining cost. Your exact copay amount is determined during the application process.
Do I need to choose Pequeños Genios before applying for WCCC?
No. You can apply for WCCC first and list us as your provider once you’re approved, or let us know you’re applying and we’ll be ready when your authorization comes through.
What if I’m not sure my family qualifies?
We’d still encourage you to apply. The application is free, eligibility depends on several factors specific to your household, and many families qualify for at least partial assistance even if they weren’t expecting to.