re: Can I deduct a childcare service that I paid for but didn't use?

If it was a deposit, doesn't look like it (not a tax lawyer and not giving tax advice): LINK

"Fees and deposits. Fees you paid to an agency to get the services of a care provider, deposits you paid to an agency or preschool, application fees, and other indirect expenses are work-related expenses if you have to pay them to get care, even though they aren't directly for care. However, a forfeited deposit isn't for the care of a qualify- ing person if care isn't provided."