Photo of caricature being drawn of mother and son

The Childcare Assistance Program (CAP) at UW Tacoma offers students with dependents financial assistance to cover the cost of childcare (ages: birth - 12 years and 11 months) while attending classes. Students who apply and meet the eligibility requirements will receive financial assistance on a quarterly basis.

CAP is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A waitlist will become available should all spaces become filled. The application is valid for the academic year (autumn – spring) — students do not need to re-apply every quarter. Funding for summer quarter is not available.

Students who qualify may receive up to $1,000 per quarter, depending on enrollment status. Funds disbursements are on a per-family basis.

Eligibility

The Childcare Assistance Program (CAP) is intended for UW Tacoma students who meet low-income requirements through Financial Aid. Students must have an up to date FAFSA application completed and on file with the University of Washington Tacoma in order to verify qualifications and before applying.

Additional Childcare Assistance Program requirements include:

  • Must be a UW Tacoma student who pays the Services and Activities Fee (SAF)
  • Must be UW Tacoma matriculated (degree-seeking) student from any undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or graduate program
  • Must be enrolled full-time or part-time. Any changes may affect status.
  • Child/children must be in the care of a state-licensed child care provider through the Department of Early Learning (i.e. home, center or after-school program). Private school tuition, kindergarten fees, nannies, meals, registration fees or other special fees are not covered.
  • Child/children must be in the student parent's legal and physical custodial care and must reside with the student parent for more than of 50% of the time.

Students who utilize the tuition exemption program do not qualify. (Exceptions may apply based on degree program; contact our office for details.)

Note: The Childcare Assistance Program may consider awarding funds to students who are not using a licensed provider with the following exceptions:

  1. Extenuating circumstances — including but not limited to: children with developmental, physical or medical conditions that prohibit the enrollment into a licensed provider, or the need to use a specialized provider for the child's specific needs. 
  2. Public school districts — before and/or after school care, including pre-school.
  3. YMCA/JBLM — facility must still maintain licensing requirements to care for children. 

If you meet one or more of the listed exceptions, please email Childcare & Family Support Services at uwtcfss@uw.edu with the following information:

  • Full name of provider/facility
  • Phone or email address of provider
  • Description of why you are in need of the exception

Requests will be reviewed within 2-5 business days. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Documentation for proof (i.e. doctor's note, resume of experience, etc.)  may be requested in order to determine eligibility.  

For questions about Childcare Assistance Program eligibility, please contact: uwtcfss@uw.edu or 253-692-4901

For questions about Financial Aid, please contact: uwtfa@uw.edu or 253-692-4374