Washington Laws

Any individual who is paid to care for children not related to them in their home on a regular basis is required by state law to be licensed through the Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Child Care Policy. Any program serving more than 12 children is required to be licensed as child care center and cannot be located in a private residence. Some part-time programs may be eligible to operate as preschool or licensed-exempt programs.

Washington Administrative Codes (WAC’s)

• Family Child Care Homes
• Child Care Centers

Call our office to get the number of the Licensing Manager in your area if you wish to find out about how to start a licensed child care facility.

Washington Department of Early Learning

The Washington Department of Early Learning works to help Washington's children get ready for school and life. Their focus is on children's earliest years of life. They offer information and resources for children's first and most important teachers - parents - as well as others who care for and teach young children.