How to Start a Daycare in Washington (2026)

The 8 Steps to Open a Daycare in Washington

Follow these in order. Each step is grounded in Washington's childcare licensing rules.

1. 1

   Research your state's rules

   Confirm whether your program needs a license in Washington. A child care license is required when a person regularly provides early learning services in their home for one or more children; under RCW 43.216.010 a "family day care provider" ("family home provider") means a child care provider who regularly provides early childhood education and early learning services for not more than 12 children at any given time in the provider's home family living quarters, and must be licensed (RCW 43.216.010).

   Read the rule that defines license-exempt care before you do anything else — it determines whether you operate as a family child care home, a center, or an exempt arrangement.

2. 2

   Complete pre-service training & CPR

   Finish the required pre-service training and certifications. Early learning providers must complete Child Care Basics (the initial "30-hour STARS" course, per DCYF's training guidance) prior to being granted a license, prior to working unsupervised with children, or within three months of the date of hire, and the course content meets the federally required (CCDF) health and safety topics (WAC 110-300-0106).

   Plan for ongoing training too: An early learning provider must complete ten (10) hours of annual in-service training after twelve months of cumulative employment (WAC 110-300-0107(1)).

3. 3

   Pass background checks

   Submit fingerprint-based background checks for yourself and every staff member, volunteer, and (where applicable) household member before anyone has unsupervised access to children.

   Background-check clearance often takes the longest of any single step — start it early so it doesn't gate your opening date.

4. 4

   Prepare your facility

   Set up a space that meets Washington's facility standards. Licensed indoor early learning program space must have a minimum of thirty-five (35) square feet of usable space per child in attendance, plus fifteen (15) additional square feet for each infant or toddler using a crib or playpen (WAC 110-300-0354); outdoor play space must provide a minimum of seventy-five (75) square feet of usable space per child accessing the play space at any given time (WAC 110-300-0145).

   Match your enrollment plan to capacity limits: The department issues family home child care licenses for up to 12 children birth through 12 years of age, with a maximum of six children under two years of age, and two early learning program staff are required anytime more than six children are in care and any child in care is under two years of age (WAC 110-300-0355).

5. 5

   Submit your license application & fee

   File your application with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families and pay the licensing fee. Contact your Washington licensing office to confirm.

   Include your parent handbook, staff policies, enrollment forms, and operations manual — inspectors ask for these at the initial visit.

6. 6

   Pass the licensing inspection

   Schedule and pass your pre-licensing inspection. Licensing inspections during initial and renewal periods; complaint investigations

   The inspector checks ratios, square footage, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and your written policies against the regulations.

7. 7

   Open your doors

   Once your license is issued, you can legally begin caring for children under Washington rules. Maintain the staff-to-child ratios at all times: Infant (0-12 months) 1:4, Toddler (12-29 months) 1:7, Preschool (30-59 months) 1:10, School Age (5+ years) 1:15

   Keep certifications current and your handbook updated — these are the items most often cited at renewal.

8. 8

   Enroll families

   Use your compliant enrollment paperwork to bring in families. A complete, Washington-specific parent handbook signals professionalism and keeps you inspection-ready from day one.

   Required enrollment and admission forms must be signed before a child's first day — have them ready before you advertise open spots.

Keep researching Washington

Licensing rules change. The figures above are compiled from Washington statutes and agency materials and are provided for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families before applying. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal advice.