Getting Started as a Child Care Provider

Any individual who cares for children not related to them in their home on a regular basis is required by Washington state law to be licensed through the Department of Early Learning. Child care programs in residential homes are limited to 12 children. Any program serving more than 12 children is required to be licensed as a child care center and cannot be located in a private residence.

Parent Line offers assistance with making the licensing process easier. Please call us at 1-800-300-1247, if you’re interested in becoming a licensed center or family child care home.

Some things to think about before starting a Family Child Care Home:

• Would you enjoy spending a lot of time caring for young children?
• Would you enjoy communicating with parents about their children's growth and development?
• Is your home suitable (e.g., absence of lead paint) for a family child care home?
• Does your home have sufficient space to allow you to care for young children? (Space is needed for projects and activities, indoor and outdoor active play, meals, naptime, and a sanitary diapering area.)
• Do you have outdoor play space (enclosed yard or fenced public park within easy walking distance)?
• Will your family be supportive of your running a family child care program in your home?
• If you have children of your own, will they adapt well to sharing their home with other children for a significant amount of time during the week?
• Can you keep track of the business details of running a family child care home?

The licensing process begins with orientation, which is a group meeting with the licensor. For more information about getting licensed: Department of Early Learning