Work-related daycare and childcare costs are not included in the basic child support obligation. They are treated as extraordinary expenses and shared proportionally between parents based on their income share percentages under RCW 26.19.080.
RCW 26.19.080(3): Daycare and special child rearing expenses such as tuition and long-distance transportation costs to and from the parents for visitation purposes are not included in the economic table. These expenses shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic child support obligation.
Line 11a: Work-related daycare and childcare
Line 11b: Education expenses including tuition
Line 11c: Long-distance transportation for visitation between parents
Line 11d: Other special child rearing expenses
Daycare expenses can significantly increase the total child support obligation especially for young children. The parent who pays daycare directly receives a full credit on Line 16b. This often results in the higher income parent contributing substantially more to work-related childcare costs.
Generally yes. The expense must be necessary for the parent to maintain employment or attend school. Discretionary childcare may not qualify without court approval.
Either parent can petition for modification when daycare expenses substantially change — for example when a child starts kindergarten and full-time daycare ends.
Work-related after-school care typically qualifies. Educational enrichment programs may qualify as education expenses on Line 11b.
Use our 2026 Washington State estimator to see how these legal terms impact your support amount. All calculators are RCW 26.19 compliant.