Washington childcare licensing is administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Any program serving 13 or more children must be licensed; smaller centers (4–12) must be certified. Washington operates the Early Achievers quality rating and improvement system. SB 5598 (2025) created the Washington Child Care Stabilization Fund providing operating grants to licensed centers at risk of closure.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (12–24 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| 2 years | 1:7 | 14 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School age | 1:15 | 30 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per Washington Department of Health schedule required on file.
Health Assessment
Physician-signed health assessment required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical exemptions only. Washington eliminated non-medical (personal/religious) exemptions for child care enrollment in 2019.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Washington State Patrol criminal background check and DCYF background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required. Early Achievers higher levels require additional credentials.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required per DCYF standards.
Director Qualifications
Director must meet DCYF education and experience requirements. Early Achievers higher levels require advanced ECE credentials.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact DCYF to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact DCYF for current fee schedule.
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