Washington Childcare Licensing
Washington Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
Washington childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. 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)).
Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWashington Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
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).
WAC 110-300-0106
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)).
WAC 110-300-0107(1)
Washington Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | 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). |
|---|---|
| Annual training | 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)). |
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Washington Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does Washington require?
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).
How many annual training hours does Washington require?
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)).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward Washington training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families before relying on it for your annual total.
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.