- Email starlightacademy.us@gmail.com
- Phone (206) 241 0844
Tuition Assistance
Quality early learning shouldn’t depend on what a family can afford. Starlight Academy is a licensed child care provider, and we proudly accept both Best Starts for Kids (BSK) and DSHS (Working Connections) child care subsidies — so more Burien and King County families can give their child a strong start.
Starlight meets Washington State licensing standards — a requirement for both subsidy programs.
Subsidy families are welcome in every classroom, ages 6 weeks through 12 years.
Bring us your paperwork and our team will walk you through it.
Most families should check DSHS Working Connections first. It is Washington’s statewide child care subsidy and now serves more families than ever before.
Best Starts for Kids is designed for King County families who fall outside that system — those whose income sits just above the DSHS cutoff, and those who technically qualify but are not adequately served by it.
Start here
Run by the WA Dept. of Children, Youth & Families
Best for: Most Washington families needing help with child care costs.
What it covers: Free or low-cost child care at licensed providers.
Apply online: washingtonconnection.org
Apply by phone: 844-626-8687 (multilingual support)
Learn more: dcyf.wa.gov/childcare
If DSHS says no
A King County program, administered by Brightspark Early Learning Services
Best for: King County families who do not qualify for DSHS, or who are not adequately served by it.
What it covers: Full or partial tuition. The average benefit is about $1,200 per month, though the amount varies by household size, income, your child’s age, hours of care needed, and provider type. Families pay any remaining balance.
Apply / check eligibility: brightspark.org/bskchildcare
Questions? Call or text 206-208-6865 · su*****@**********re.org
To be eligible for the BSK Child Care Subsidy, your family must meet all of the following:
Gross income means all income before taxes or deductions.
| Family size | Monthly income limit | Annual income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $6,711 | $80,529 |
| 3 | $8,291 | $99,491 |
| 4 | $9,869 | $118,422 |
| 5 | $11,447 | $137,363 |
| 6 | $13,026 | $156,315 |
| 7 | $13,323 | $159,875 |
| 8 | $13,619 | $163,424 |
| 9 | $13,915 | $166,974 |
| 10 | $14,211 | $170,534 |
A Working Connections denial letter or waiver is required with your BSK application.
| Family size | Monthly income limit (60% SMI) |
|---|---|
| 2 | $4,737 |
| 3 | $5,852 |
| 4 | $6,966 |
| 5 | $8,080 |
| 6 | $9,195 |
| 7 | $9,404 |
| 8 | $9,613 |
| 9 | $9,822 |
| 10 | $10,031 |
Figures from the Best Starts for Kids Eligibility Flyer, v.2 — September 2025. Income limits are updated periodically; confirm current figures at brightspark.org.
BSK asks you to verify both residency and income. Getting these together in advance makes the process much faster.
Choose ONE from List A, or TWO from List B.
Income limits are based on gross (pre-tax) income from all sources:
BSK’s Subsidy Access and Support (SAS) Team helps families through the whole authorization process — and they encourage you to reach out.
Email: su*****@**********re.org
Call or text: (206) 208-6865
If you are unsure which program fits, bring your questions to us. We work with subsidy families every day.
Starlight Academy & Preschool
431 S 152nd St, Burien, WA 98148
(206) 241-0844 · st*****************@***il.com
Monday–Friday, 7:00am–6:00pm
Yes. We are a licensed provider and we accept both Best Starts for Kids and DSHS Working Connections subsidies across all four of our classrooms, serving ages 6 weeks through 12 years.
Not at the same time, in the way you might expect. BSK is specifically for families who are ineligible for Working Connections or are not well served by it — so apply to DSHS first. If you are denied, take that denial letter to BSK. If your income is at or below 60% SMI, that denial letter is required.
It depends. BSK’s average benefit is around $1,200 per month, but the exact amount varies with household size, income, your child’s age, the hours of care you need, and provider type. Subsidies may cover tuition in full or in part; families are responsible for any remaining balance.
After the 5-minute screener, eligible families join a waitlist and are invited to complete a full application when a spot opens. Timing varies — apply as early as you can.
Take the free 5-minute screener at brightspark.org/bskchildcare. It costs nothing and does not commit you to anything. Or call us at (206) 241-0844 and we will help you think it through.
No. You can apply for a subsidy first and choose your provider, or enroll with us and apply afterward. Either order works — just tell us what you are doing so we can support you.
Come see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and let’s talk about what assistance you may qualify for.
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