Written by

Jennifer Carlson

August 27, 2025

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Opening a daycare center in Washington state

Opening a daycare in Washington requires thoughtful preparation, licensing, compliance with state rules, and a commitment to providing safe, high-quality child care. This guide covers the essential steps for starting a home-based or center-based daycare, reflecting current Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) regulations.

1. Daycare licensing in Washington state

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) oversees all licensed child care programs. You must obtain the right license before operating.

Types of child care licenses

Large child care centers must have a license before opening in Washington. Some programs don't require a license, but you must still at least register with the state.

• Child Care Center: 13 or more children in a non-residential facility

• Family Home Child Care: Up to 12 children in the provider's home

• School-Age Program: Children ages 5 to 12 before or after school or during breaks

• License-Exempt Care: Certain programs, such as care for relatives or short-term care

Zoning and local approval

Contact your local city or county planning office to confirm your location meets zoning requirements for child care. Home-based providers should check with their landlord or homeowners' association and secure written approval if necessary.

Staff-to-child ratios

Washington's staff-to-child ratios depend on age and the program type. For example, in daycare centers:

The rules for family child care homes are a little more complex:

• House no more than 12 children unless you have a special waiver from the DCYF.

• Your own children under age 6 count toward the staff-to-child ratio.

• If you have children who are not yet walking, one adult can care for up to 6 children, but no more than 3 of them can be under 2 years old, and at least one of those must be walking independently.

• If all children are walking and at least 2 years old, 2 adults can care for up to 12 children.

• If you have up to 4 children who are not walking, you can have a maximum of 6 children per adult.

Family home care ratios also depend on your experience. With less than one year of experience, you can only care for 6 children. With 1 to 2 years of experience, the ratio goes up to 1:8. With over 2 years, it goes up to 1:10 or 1:12 with an assistant.

2. Complete training and background checks

All owners, directors, staff, and volunteers must meet Washington's training and background check requirements:

• Pre-service training: Complete DCYF-approved training, including Safe Sleep, CPR, first aid, Mandated Reporter, and a 20-hour training course through the State Training and Registry System (STARS) within 6 months.

• Ongoing training: Complete annual continuing education through STARS.

• Background checks: All staff, household members (for home-based care), and regular volunteers must pass a tuberculosis (TB) test and state and federal background checks using DCYF's MERIT system.

3. Prepare your facility or home

Before you get your license, your facility will be subject to inspections that will affect the outcome of your application. Get ready by following these steps:

Indoor and outdoor space

Centers must provide at least 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child and 75 square feet of outdoor play space per child. Family homes must also offer adequate space for safe play and learning.

Safety and sanitation

Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and childproofing devices. Pass fire, health, and sanitation inspections before opening. Maintain a clean, organized environment with age-appropriate toys and equipment.

Equipment and supplies

Provide safe, developmentally appropriate furniture, toys, and sleep equipment. Infants require approved cribs; older children need mats or cots. All materials must meet safety standards. Explore our Ultimate Daycare Supplies List to see if you're missing anything!

4. Send your application to DCYF

After completing training and preparing your facility, submit your application through DCYF's online portal (MERIT). Required documents include:

• Completed licensing application

• Proof of completed training and certifications

• Background check clearances

• Floor plans and facility layout

• Fire and health inspection certificates

• Lease agreement or proof of property ownership

• Zoning and business permit approvals

DCYF will then review your application and schedule a pre-licensure inspection.

5. Facility inspection and licensing fees

A DCYF licensor will inspect your daycare to verify compliance with all state regulations. Be ready to demonstrate emergency procedures, daily routines, and staff qualifications. If you're approved, you'll receive either a 6-month initial license, a full 3-year license, or a probationary license if there are any issues.

Washington charges licensing fees of $30 per year for family child care and $125 per year for the first 12 children in a center, plus $12 per year for each child after that. Additional fees may apply for background checks and permits.

6. Develop policies and curriculum

Create a comprehensive parent handbook covering:

• Hours of operation and holidays

• Tuition rates, payment policies, and late fees

• Enrollment and withdrawal procedures

• Health, immunization, and sick child policies

• Discipline and behavior management

• Emergency plans and reporting procedures

• Staff qualifications and training

• Meal, snack, and nap schedules

• Procedures for reporting suspected abuse or neglect

• Your daycare's sick policy

Make updates to your handbook if the state makes any changes to regulations or if you get feedback from caregivers. If you do make any changes, make sure you let your staff and families know.

Curriculum and schedule

Design a curriculum that supports children's development through play, exploration, and structured activities. Include outdoor play, creative arts, music, story time, and quiet periods in your daycare schedule.

7. Set up your business

Register your business with the Washington Secretary of State. Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation) and obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your taxes.

Secure insurance coverage, including general liability and property insurance. Maintain records of attendance, health and immunization, staff credentials, and finances.

Writing a business plan

Having a business plan is a good way to visualize your goals and can also help if you decide to seek funding. For in-depth instructions, read our guide on How to Create a Daycare Business Plan. A solid business plan includes the following points:

• A summary of your business and a concise mission statement

• Research on the local market and a review of community child care needs

• Detailed information about the child care programs and services you will offer

• An operations plan that covers staffing, facility setup, and daily routines

• Strategies for marketing and community outreach

• Financial projections, including budgets, anticipated revenue, and expenses

• Documented policies and day-to-day procedures

• An outline of your management team and main staff roles

• Supporting documents, such as required licenses, permits, and staff credentials

8. Washington state daycare assistance

If you don't have enough in your savings to start a business on your own and don't want to take out a loan, consider applying for grants. Washington child care providers can access a variety of grants, including federal and state programs:

• Federal programs:

  • Head Start and Early Head Start

  • Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

  • The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)

  • Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5)

• State grants:

  • Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Grants

  • Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)

  • Early Achievers Quality Improvement Awards

9. Market your daycare

You can promote your daycare by:

• Creating a professional website with program details and enrollment info

• Making a free profile on TrustedCare to reach parents in your area

• Listing your daycare on Child Care Aware of Washington and other directories

• Using social media for updates and testimonials

• Hosting open houses and community events

• Partnering with local schools and businesses

• Encouraging referrals and positive reviews

Check out our Daycare Advertising Ideas guide for more tips on free ways to market your business.

10. Hire staff

All staff must complete the required training, background checks, and a tuberculosis (TB) test. Aides and volunteers can be as young as 14, but all other teachers and directors must be at least 18.

Only a high school diploma is required upon hiring, but teachers and directors have to earn a WA State Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate within 5 years.

11. License renewal

Renew your license every 3 years by submitting updated documentation and fees ($30 per year for family homes and $125+ per year for centers). Submit a renewal application 30 days before your license expires. Expect periodic unannounced inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.

By following these steps and adhering to DCYF regulations, you can create a safe, nurturing daycare in Washington that supports children's growth and meets the needs of local families.