Washington Childcare Licensing
Washington Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Washington childcare licensing is administered by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. A licensed Washington center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Licensing inspections during initial and renewal periods; complaint investigations
Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWashington Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Washington childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136.
Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136
Washington childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0195.
Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0195
Washington childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0226.
Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0226
Washington childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0221.
Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0221
Washington childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0375.
Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0375
Washington childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0140.
Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0140
Washington Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136 |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0195 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0226 |
| Medication Administration Policy | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0221 |
| Emergency Procedures | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0375 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0140 |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0236 |
| Parent Communication Policy | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136(a) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136(b) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | RCW 26.44.030; WAC 110-300-0190 |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136(c) |
| Health and Safety Policies | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0201 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | RCW 49.60.215; WAC 110-300-0020 |
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Washington Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Washington?
Childcare licensing in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Official licensing information is published at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning/childcare-licensing.
How many handbook policy sections does Washington require?
Washington requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does Washington inspect licensed childcare centers?
Licensing inspections during initial and renewal periods; complaint investigations
What happens if a Washington center is out of compliance?
Civil fines; license suspension or revocation under RCW 43.216.325
Washington childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Washington administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.