Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) 2026–27: The "Too Much for State Aid" Income Band, Vouchers, Providers and How to Apply

2 hours ago

5 min read

Seattle's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is built for a group of families many programs miss: households that earn too much for Washington State's Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) but still can't easily afford child care in one of the country's most expensive cities. CCAP is run by the City's Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). The City says families can expect to save an average of $10,000 a year.

The key to CCAP is understanding the income band. Below a certain income, you're expected to use state aid instead. Above another, you earn too much. This guide explains that band using the City's guidelines updated October 1, 2026, plus who qualifies, the documents you'll need, how vouchers and provider choice work, and what to do if you're found ineligible.

The CCAP Income Band, Explained

CCAP is for families with gross (pre-tax) income below 110% of State Median Income (SMI) who are not eligible for WCCC. The City notes WCCC serves families below 60.01% SMI. So if your income is low enough for WCCC, you won't qualify for CCAP and should apply to the state program.

The City's posted gross income guidelines cover 60.01% to 110% SMI:

Family size	Minimum monthly	Minimum annual	Maximum monthly	Maximum annual
2	$4,992	$59,901	$9,151	$109,817
3	$6,167	$73,996	$11,304	$135,657
4	$7,341	$88,090	$13,458	$161,497
5	$8,516	$102,184	$15,611	$187,336
6	$9,690	$116,279	$17,764	$213,176
7	$9,911	$118,921	$18,168	$218,021
8	$10,131	$121,564	$18,572	$222,866

The City's table also covers family sizes 9 and 10, and DEEL says the SMI figures are updated each October.

Exception for students: if a parent or guardian is a student in an education program not covered by WCCC, there is no minimum income requirement for CCAP.

Below the minimum? Apply to Working Connections Child Care through the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The City lists WCCC's number as (844) 626-8687.

Who Else Must Qualify

According to DEEL, your family is eligible to apply if it:

lives within Seattle city limits. Residents of unincorporated King County are not eligible, and the City has a lookup tool on the CCAP page.
has a child 1 month old up to their 13th birthday,
meets the income guidelines for its family size,
can show it isn't eligible for other child care subsidy programs, and
has a demonstrated need for care because of work, an approved job training or education program, or other circumstances.

CCAP is open to all eligible children regardless of citizenship status. Seattle is a Welcoming City, and City employees don't ask about immigration status.

Situations DEEL's FAQ says can qualify:

Part-time work: possibly, if income fits. The intake team sets hours based on your schedule.
Graveyard shift: yes, care can cover time you sleep during the day.
First bachelor's degree (at least three credits a quarter): yes, with no minimum income.
First advanced degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD): yes, if enrolled in at least three credits and under the maximum income.
ESL, ELL, trade or vocational programs: yes, covering class and travel time.
Not working or in school: a short-term voucher of up to 6 months may be possible for needs like medical appointments, therapy, job searching, interviews or family medical leave.

Documents You'll Need

DEEL says you will need to:

Prove your child's age.
Prove your Seattle address. Families experiencing housing instability in Seattle can still apply if they meet the income guidelines. If bills are in a roommate's name, ask the CCAP Intake Team for the Housing Form.
Prove your family's gross income. If you're self-employed, ask the intake team for the Self Employment Form.
Identify a CCAP provider that fits your schedule and has space.
Tell DEEL the hours of care you need.

Other information may be required depending on your circumstances. DEEL links a list of acceptable documents from the CCAP page.

Family size note: a child over 18 who is out of high school is not counted in your family size, even if living at home.

Choosing a Provider: Do This Early

To use a CCAP voucher, you must pick a child care provider that contracts with the City of Seattle. DEEL keeps a CCAP Provider Map of contracted providers.

This step can stall your application. DEEL says it can't issue a voucher until you've selected and tentatively secured a provider from the approved list. A completed application without one is put on hold. If you want a provider that isn't on the list, that provider must go through the City's contracting process, which DEEL says can take three months to a year.

DEEL doesn't license or endorse providers. It suggests checking the state's Child Care Check registry and interviewing providers and checking references.

How Vouchers and Payments Work

One voucher per child. The amount depends on family size, income, hours of care and the child's age.
12-month vouchers are standard, including for student parents. Some families may get a 6-month voucher.
Both you and the provider sign the voucher to finalize it.
You pay the gap. You owe the provider the difference between the voucher amount and its regular monthly rate.
Not covered: registration fees, waitlist deposits and other extra fees. Those are between you and the provider.
No backdating. CCAP can't cover care before the current month. If your child already attends a CCAP provider, the intake team may work out back-payment for the month your application was complete and verified. DEEL advises against starting care before your voucher is final.

How to Apply

Check that you live in Seattle city limits using the City's tool.
Compare your income to the table above. If it's below the minimum, apply to WCCC first.
Shortlist providers on the CCAP Provider Map and contact them about openings.
Apply online through the "Apply online for CCAP" link on DEEL's CCAP page. DEEL estimates 5–10 minutes to apply and 2–3 weeks to process. There's no deadline.
Complete enrollment by uploading your documents if you're found eligible.
Sign your voucher with your provider.

Questions: email CCAP@seattle.gov or call DEEL's child care and preschool line at (206) 386-1050.

If You're Found Ineligible

DEEL says submitting an application doesn't guarantee eligibility, and the CCAP Intake Team will notify you if you aren't eligible. What to do next depends on the reason:

Income below the CCAP minimum: apply for WCCC (DCYF) at (844) 626-8687.
Address outside Seattle: DEEL points families to BrightSpark at (800) 446-1114 and Best Starts for Kids at (206) 208-6865.
Missing documents or no provider: ask the intake team what's missing, secure a CCAP provider, and resubmit.
Income or situation changed: reapply when you fit the guidelines. Remember, there's no deadline.

DEEL's CCAP page doesn't describe a formal appeal process. If you believe a decision is wrong, email CCAP@seattle.gov with your documents and ask for a review.