DSHS

Washington State has repealed the planned prospective enrollment-based payment model and will instead continue using an attendance-based reimbursement system for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).

Beginning July 1, 2026, child care providers will once again receive reimbursement based primarily on a child's actual attendance, rather than simply holding an enrolled space. Additional attendance-based reimbursement rules will continue to be implemented as outlined by DCYF during the 2026–27 fiscal year.

No. If your family is currently eligible for Working Connections Child Care through DCYF, your eligibility does not change because of this policy update.

You should continue to:

• Maintain your eligibility with DCYF
• Report required changes to your case
• Pay any assigned family copayment
• Follow your child care provider's enrollment policies

Because providers are once again reimbursed based largely on attendance, your child's daily attendance directly affects state funding provided to support their child care space.

When children miss care frequently without communication, providers may receive reduced reimbursement while still incurring the same operating expenses, including:

• Staff wages
• Meals and snacks
• Classroom supplies
• Facility costs
• Licensing requirements

Consistent attendance helps ensure your child's classroom remains stable and adequately funded.

Please notify your YMCA child care program as soon as possible whenever your child will be absent. Examples include:

• Illness
• Family emergencies
• Scheduled vacations
• Medical appointments
• Changes to your work schedule

Keeping your program informed helps us accurately document attendance and meet DCYF reporting requirements.

Not necessarily. We understand that children become sick, families travel, and emergencies happen.

However, repeated unexplained or extended absences may require us to review your enrollment with you. Our goal is always to work together with families before any decisions are made regarding continued enrollment.

Please let us know as soon as possible. If your family's schedule changes, we may be able to adjust your care schedule or help you determine whether updates with DCYF are needed.

Early communication allows us to best support your family.

Yes. Accurate daily attendance records remain a requirement for all families receiving Working Connections Child Care assistance.

Please ensure your child is signed in and out each day using your program's attendance process.

You can support your child's program by:

• Bringing your child on scheduled attendance days whenever possible
• Notifying us promptly when your child will be absent
• Keeping your contact information current
• Responding to requests for updated subsidy or eligibility information
• Communicating with us if your family's schedule changes

Working together helps us continue providing high-quality care for all children.

July 1, 2026. Beginning on this date, Washington providers will operate under the updated attendance-based reimbursement requirements established by DCYF following 2026 legislative changes.