Start a Daycare in Washington – Licensing – Regulations – Laws

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Washington Daycare Licensing

Like any other business, setting up your own Daycare facility in the State of Washington can be a promising and lucrative venture. However, like all beginnings of an enterprise, it is never without its birth pains. To be able to make your daycare center a true success, you must be knowledgeable in the process of starting the business and how to maintain its operations by abiding with the rules and requirements of the state.

The State of Washington has the Department of Early Learning that oversees the establishment and operations of daycare centers in this state.  They are responsible for issuing the daycare licenses, providing you with the information and resources in putting up your daycare business and in making sure you are complying with the requirements and laws that cover your daycare operations. This is the department to approach when you are thinking of putting up a daycare facility. The licensors are willing to walk you thru the entire tedious process of starting up and operating your daycare business.

Although the laws in The State of Washington is not too stringent as compared to other states, these laws can be hard on  those providers who violate any of their provisions. The  violation may merit an instant revocation or suspension of your license or the immediate denial of your license application. To be fully informed of the guidelines and to work within their scope can assure the providers and the families that the services rendered legal and well planned.

These provisions were not created to give daycare providers a hard time. In fact, these laws were meant to professionalize the daycare industry, to assure the public that the providers are qualified and have met the state’s requirements, and that their children are safely in the care of  legal professionals.

Licensing Information for Providers

Over 7,400 family home daycare and daycare center providers receive their licenses from the DEL (Department of Early Learning) in the state of Washington. The state sets minimum licensing requirements which are followed by licensed daycare providers to make sure that children are cared for in healthy, safe and nurturing places.

DEL is a governing body that looks over the operations of a daycare provider. Licensors work with licensed providers in improving the quality of their daycare services. They help in identifying the daycare providers strong and weak points then provide the resources and information in order for them to make some changes. DEL provides orientation workshops, process the background checks, makes sure application packets are completed, monitor and inspect the facilities, and implement corrective measures when necessary.

The renewal of Daycare licenses should be every 3 years. Upon submission of the complete application, the licensors must issue the license or relicense the facilities within a 90 day period. Daycare centers are monitored each year while Daycare homes every 18 months.

Is There a Need for Licensed Daycare for Children?

Daycare services offered by agencies and individuals must be licensed by Washington state with a few exceptions. Licensing is needed if:

• A child or the children of no relation to you is under your care (except for a close    relative)
• The care services is ongoing in a regular scheduled basis with the intent of engaging        in business

To assist in the access to quality, healthy, safe, and culturally relevant daycare services for the children of Washington is the DEL’s mission.

Licensing is not required (but is an option) for people who are FNN providers. These are people who give care to a child or the children of Family, Friends & Neighbors (FFN) whether they receive compensation or not, for a duration of lower than 24 hours, with the activity going on in a regular and scheduled basis, with the intent of going into business, which may include but will not be limited to  advertising.

Minimum Licensing Requirements

To qualify for the daycare license, the person must comply to the regulations for the children’s safety.

How to Obtain Licenses

Licensing Steps

1.         To obtain a license, the process starts with an orientation. This could be in a form of         an individual or group meeting with the licensor depending on your place of                         residence. The orientation gives you information on the following:

• Licensing process
• Resources to assist you in the licensing process
• How to provide daycare
• Links to training and the other supports

During the orientation you are made to assess the following in helping you decide why you want to give daycare:

• Your business skills
• Personality, finances, determination and experience
• The ability to work with children
• Particular space for daycare

2.         You will be given a license application and the instructions on how to accomplish this with complete information. Licensor(s) will assist you in completing the form and the requirements that needs to be sent along with the application. You also have to accomplish a form for Criminal Background Check, $24 is the application fee.

3.         Upon submission of the application, DEL should work on your application within 90           days. For home licenses, the DEL licensor needs to set schedule with you for the   inspection. The inspection is done by a DEL health specialist and licensor. They need      to discuss with you the plans on how you will offer daycare. The DEL staff with walk             you thru the entire licensing process.

4.         During the proceedings, you have to contact the Daycare Resource and Referral Agency in your locality. These agencies have the recent list of  the licensed daycare           homes and centers that they give as referrals to guardians and parents who need       daycare. The agencies also give various services to both potential and existing             licensed daycare providers.

Minimum Licensing Requirements:

1. To apply/reapply for the license to operate a daycare center:

a.         You must be at least 21 years old or more

b.         The director, applicant and the program supervisor should attend the                                  provided, arranged and approved orientation programs

c.         You must submit a signed and completed application form for  daycare center license or the certification forms with the required attachments

2.         The application package should include these attachments:

a.         Yearly licensing fee based on licensed capacity which is:

1. For new licenses issued before July 1, 2010 by the department, or licensing fees that were due prior to July 1, 2010 – $48 for the initial 12 children plus $4 for every child over the 12 children licensed capacity
2. For new licenses issued after 30 June, 2010, or licenses with yearly license fees due after 30 June, 2010 – $100 for every year for the initial 12 children plus $8 for every additional child over the 12 children licensed capacity

b.         If you are the sole owner of the center, submit a copy of the following:

1. Government issued photo identification
2. Social security card valid for employment or a verification of your employer’s identification number

c.         If a corporation owns the center, the verification of  the employer’s  identification number

d.         An education and employment resume for:

1. Person who is actively managing the center
2. Program supervisor

e.         Copies of the educational transcript or diploma of the program supervisor

f.          3 professional references for each- the owner, director and program supervisor

g.         If incorporated, the Articles of Incorporation

h.         List of staff (the application provides the form)

i.          Daycare handbook or written parent communication

j.          Copy of the liability and medical transportation insurance policy

k.         For centers with more than 5 employees, the in-service training program

l.          The facility’s floor plan

m.        Copy of the health care plan that is reviewed and signed by a registered nurse, doctor’s assistant or an advisory doctor

n.         Copy of policies and procedures given to parents

o.         Copy of occupancy permit

3.         You should also submit the completed form for background check for all the persons that are required to be DEL authorized to care or supervise the children in the center’s care under the chapter 170-06 WAC

4.         Submit your application or reapplication forms 90 or more days before the dates   you expect:

a.         The opening of new center

b.         The scheduled expiry of your current license

c.         When you are relocating your center

d.         When changing licenses

e.         Changing your license category

When is the License application denied? When is the License revoked or suspended?

1.         The license application is denied and the license is revoked or suspended when the provider does not meet the requirements of Chapter 170-295 WAC
2.         More than 1 person is licensed or applies for the license to provide daycare in the same facility under this chapter :

a.         The qualifications are considered separately and together

b.         If any of the persons fail to meet the qualification requirements, the license is revoked or suspended, the licensing application denied.

3.         The license is denied, revoked, or suspended if you:

a.         Are proven to have neglected, abused, abandoned, sexually exploited a child or allowed such persons into the center as stated in chapter 26.44 RCW

b.         Were convicted or pending charges for crimes on the list of the DEL director under WAC 170-06-0120

c.         In this state or in any other state, your license was denied, revoked or suspended. However, if show evidence that is clear and convincing that you have taken action to correct and rehabilitate the trust of the public in the center’s operations according to the chapter rules, issuing you the license will be  considered

d.         Allow or commit an illegal act on the licensed premises

e.         Allow the children under your care to be neglected, exploited, abused or treated with indifference and cruelty

f.          Use of illegal drugs

g.         Extensive use of alcohol that it interferes with the ability in providing care for the children

h.         Refusal to allow the department’s authorized representative, state auditor or state fire marshal with official identification to:

1. Inspect the premises
2. Access records related to operation of the center
3. Interview the staff or the children under your care

I.          Refusal to provide copies of:

1. Government issued photo identification
2. Valid for employment social security card or the verification of the employer’s identification number

4.         The license may be suspended, revoked or denied if:

a.         Making false statements or omitting important information on the application to get or to keep your license

b.         Not providing enough care workers in relation to the age, characteristics or number of children under your care

c.         Allowing a person who is under qualified by experience, temperament or training to care or have contact with the children

d.         Failure to provide enough supervision to the children

e.         No exercise of fiscal accountability and responsibility in the center’s operations

f.          Willingly allowed a volunteer or employee who falsified their applications to             work for the center

g.         Refusal to provide additional information that is requested by the department

h.         failure to pay fees on due date

I.          Failure to comply with minimum requirements for licensing under the         chapter or provisions in Chapter 43.215 RCW

j.          Providing care in the premises for children in a different age from the ages             the center was licensed for

Provider/Child Ratio

The following provider/child ratios are based on Center-based daycares in the state of Washington: Infants (1:4);  Toddlers (1:7); Preschool (1:10); School age (1:15); Mixed age group (ratio for youngest child in the group).

The following ratios are based on the Family Daycares in the state of Washington:

• For infants, the providers are allowed to accommodate a maximum of 12 children with their qualified assistant. A provider with an experience of 1 years is allowed 10 children only if none of the children are below 5 years old. A provider with 2 years experience, an assistant and ECE course is allowed to care for not more than 4 children below 2 years old.
• Providers may accommodate up to 12 children including their own.
• There should be 2 providers if there are over 2 children below the age of  2; there are more than 7 children and there are children below the age of 2; and there are over 10 children at any age.

Core Competencies

Core competencies are the statements of skills that are needed in order to become a qualified daycare provider and the basis wherein caregivers are being assessed. These are composed of their goals and functional areas.

It is a provider’s expertise that enables them to provide unique value to the parents and children they service. It is the embodiment of the providers learning and capability to provide quality daycare.

Core Competency Areas of Washington State

There are 11 areas in Core Competencies that the daycare providers must be skilled and knowledgeable in. This is determined by the Daycare Coordinating Committee’s Career Development Subcommittee:

1.         Child growth, learning and development

To comprehend the nature of development and growth and the role of adults in assisting a child’s learning and development

2.         Individual and Cultural Diversity

To comprehend families as the initial source of children’s development and learning, to respect the diversity in family values and structures, and to develop the skills in interacting with parents in methods that will enhance the educational success of children.

3.         Family systems

To retain the open, cooperative and friendly relationship with every child’s family, to encourage family involvement and to support the child’s relationship with their family

4.         Communication

To be able to communicate effectively with the children, their parents, and fellow care workers.

5.         Observation and Assessment

To develop the skills in observing, assessing, documenting and reporting to the family members.

6.         Curriculum Development

To comprehend learning experiences are structured to meet the children’s needs, to promote creativity, to develop awareness of their cultural backgrounds and the  diverse needs and to stimulate learning in all areas of development.

7.         Environment Design

To create and plan an atmosphere, using the human and physical elements that encourage children’s development and involvement, and will promote the children’s social interaction, self-esteem, and joy in learning.

8.         Child Guidance

The use of guidance and organizational strategies that encourage autonomy, responsibility, positive social interactions and self-reliance, and responding to children with acceptance, respect, comfort in acknowledging their personal diversity.

9.         Safety, Health and Nutrition

To promote values of good health and nutrition in providing a safe environment for the children.

10.       Professionalism

Making decision based on the knowledge of best practices and theories, advocating for quality programs and schools, and improving their competencies in their professional and personal growth.

11.       Administration

To efficiently and effectively operate the program or school assuring quality services rendered to the youth, young children and their families.

The continuing education plan can be developed thru the website of STARS registry by area of core competency.

Requirements for the Daycare Worker in Washington State

The job of a daycare worker is to nurture, teach and care for kids below 12 years old. Their primary responsibility is to assure their safety while under their care. All daycare workers should meet the state’s requirements regardless of their work environment. In the state of Washington, daycare workers are required to take their training and pass the background check of the Washington Department of Social Services.

Worker Qualifications

The staff members must be at least 18 years old or more; has a high school diploma or its equivalent; or has child development knowledge and work experience.

Background Check for Workers

To qualify for employment in a daycare facility, daycare workers should pass thru a criminal background check. All daycare staff should fill out the form for background check and include the fingerprint card. If the home is run as a private daycare center, then household members over 16 are required to pass the background and fingerprint check. The fingerprint cards can be obtained from any agency of law enforcement. A $45.45 fee is required from the staff of daycare workers and $41.25 for all the volunteer daycare workers for the fingerprint background check.  The fees and fingerprint cards must be sent to:

Washington Department of Early Learning
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504

The daycare center must also provide a list of the first and last names of the workers on the licensing checklist that is sent along with the background check form. This checklist is reviewed by Washington Department of Early Learning. The background clearance will be sent to the licensed daycare center within 14 days from the submission of these requirements.

Licensing Orientation for Daycare Workers

A pre-licensing orientation is required of daycare workers. This is a requirement for the center to get their license. The orientation is available in all cities of Washington state and will just take 7 hours.

There are 2 licensing orientations provided by Washington Department of Early Learning. The first is for the workers in a daycare center and 2^nd is for the family home providers. Applicants must accomplish a Family Home Daycare Orientation Survey in order to register. This is sent to the nearest DEL office. The DEL offices listing is accessible on the website of Washington State Department of Early Learning.

After the attendance of all the required licensing orientation, the applicants can apply for their daycare license.

Worker Training/Testing

All daycare staff who take care of the children has to undergo training programs for First Aid and CPR, and HIV/AIDS/blood-borne pathogen. These programs can be obtained at local hospitals, the local Red Cross Chapter and community hospitals.

After completing all the required health training programs, all daycare assistants and workers in a daycare center  over 14 years of age or the household member aged 16 and above in a family home daycare should undergo testing for tuberculosis. The tests can be taken with any Red Cross chapter, hospital or doctor’s office.

Contact Information

Child Care Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Early Learning
P.O. Box 40970
Olympia, WA 98504-0970
Phone: (360) 725-4665
Toll Free: (866) 482-4325
Fax: (360) 413-3482

Child Care Subsidy Agency
Washington Department of Early Learning
Department of Social and Health Services
P.O. Box 40970
Olympia, WA 98504-0970
Phone: (360) 725-4679
Toll Free: (866) 482-4325
Fax: (360) 413-3482

Head Start – State Collaboration Office
Department of Early Learning
P.O. Box 40970
Olympia, WA, 98504-0970
Phone: (360) 725-4686
Fax: (360) 413-3482

Child Care Food Program Administrator
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Post Office Box 47211
Olympia, Washington 98504-7200
Phone: (360) 725-6200
Fax: (360) 664-9397

State Child Care Resource & Referral Contact
Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network
917 Pacific Avenue, Suite 600
Tacoma, WA 98402-4437
Phone: (253) 383-1735
Toll Free: (800) 446-1114
Fax: (253) 572-2599

Office of Child Support Enforcement
Division of Child Support
Economic Services Administration
P.O.Box 9162
Olympia, Washington 98507-9162
Phone: (360) 664-5000
Fax: (360) 664-5444

Child Abuse Reporting Hotline
To report suspected child abuse in Washington, call (800) 562-5624 or (866) END-HARM.

For national child abuse information, call the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (staffed 24 hours daily with professional crisis counselors) at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453) or the T.D.D. line at 1-800-2-A-CHILD (800-222-4453).

Starting a Daycare in Washington

Washington Department of Social and Health Services
Economic Services Administration Division of Child Care and Early Learning
P.O. Box 45480
Olympia, WA 98504-5480
Phone: 360-725-4665
Fax: 360-413-3482
Hotline: 866-482-4325
Web site: http://www.del.wa.gov/ccel/index.shtml
Requirements: http://www.del.wa.gov/ccel/faq.shtml#cclq1b