Parent & Family Resources
Parenting and Family Childcare Resources – Tools for Success
Explore a curated selection of parenting and family childcare resources designed to support your journey with Little STEAMers Academy—and beyond. From downloadable forms and daily checklists to health & safety policies, child development insights, and trusted parenting links, these tools make your experience smoother, more informed, and more connected.
- Serving Renton, Rainier Beach & South Seattle
Early Development Support
Help Me Grow Washington
Help Me Grow Washington connects families to the health and development resources needed to give ALL kids the best start.
What They Offer:
Free developmental screening for all kids under 5 (no waiting lists or income requirements)
Community resources like parenting classes, medical clinics, and food banks
Referrals for further evaluation and early intervention services
Activities and games that support healthy growth and learning
Community Connections
Washington Information Network 2-1-1
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number for people to call for health and human service information and referrals, plus other assistance to meet their needs.
Highlights:
Free, confidential assistance connecting you to local services including food, housing, health care, child care, crisis help, and more.
Access to 27,000+ verified resources with referrals tailored to your needs, available by phone, email, text, or online search.
Support in 140+ languages with TTY access for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Disaster and emergency support including up-to-date shelter info, evacuation routes, and non-emergency 9-1-1 relief.
Childcare Cost Assistance
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
A Washington State program that helps eligible families afford child care while they work, attend school, or participate in approved activities.
Highlights:
Subsidizes child care costs for qualifying families
Eligibility based on income, residency, and participation in approved activities
Families experiencing homelessness may receive up to 12 months of assistance
Copayments determined on a sliding scale based on income
Seattle Childcare Support
Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
A City of Seattle initiative that assists income-eligible families in covering child care expenses for children aged 1 month to 12 years.
Benefits:
Available to families residing within Seattle city limits
Supports parents who are working or enrolled in educational programs
Average annual savings of approximately $7,500 per family
Subsidy amounts based on family size, income, hours of care needed, and child’s age
King County Family Initiatives
Best Starts for Kids (King County)
A King County initiative aimed at promoting healthy development for children and youth from prenatal stages through young adulthood.
Benefits:
Available to families residing within Seattle city limits
Supports parents who are working or enrolled in educational programs
Average annual savings of approximately $7,500 per family
Subsidy amounts based on family size, income, hours of care needed, and child’s age
FAQ
Working at Little STEAMers
Quick answers for busy families—how to choose the right classroom, schedule a tour, start enrollment, and subsidies. This section complements our parenting and family childcare resources hub and points you to what you need most:
Do you work with public subsidy programs?
We partner with many local programs and can guide you through provider steps. Because programs change, please contact us to confirm our current participation for your child’s classroom and age.
Who generally qualifies for subsidies?
Most programs consider: household income, residency, parent work/school/training hours, the child’s age, and provider participation. Bring questions to your tour—our team will walk through fit and timing.
Should I schedule a tour before or after my subsidy approval?
Before. Most families tour first to confirm fit, get our provider details for the application, and understand timelines and costs. Your child’s start date can be set after your subsidy is approved and provider authorization is active. Availability changes quickly, so touring early lets you join the waitlist (if needed) and ask about deposits or enrollment holds tied to approval. Schedule a tour now.
What tax benefits should we ask about?
Many families use an Employer Dependent Care FSA and/or the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit; WA residents may also review the Working Families Tax Credit. We can provide itemized statements—consult your tax professional for eligibility.
Which program is the best fit for my child?
Travelers (Toddler Early Learning)
Each section also links back to our Parenting and Family Childcare Resources.
I still have questions—who should I contact?
Where can I learn more about your philosophy and team?
Need Help Accessing Our Parenting and Family Childcare Resources?
We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about our pragrams or want to learn how Little STEAMers Academy supports your child’s early learning journey—reach out anytime. Schedule a tour or call us today to speak with our team.