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Опубликовано: September 22, 2023 в 6:33 am

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How to Start a Daycare in the State of Washington

Starting a daycare business allows you to have an impact on young children as you educate and prepare them for future learning. However, you must understand the state regulations and requirements for obtaining a childcare license before you can open for business. It’s important to meet and stay compliant with various provider and facility requirements and follow the correct procedures to apply for the right type of license.

Daycares in the state of Washington must be licensed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). They must also meet specific standards for children’s health, safety, and well-being. In this complete guide, we cover details of starting a daycare in Washington and the steps to apply for a childcare license.

Do I need a childcare license in the state of Washington?

According to Washington state childcare regulations, you need a license to operate a childcare business if you provide child care and early learning services daily for children ages 0-12 years in your family home or at a commercial facility. The children must also be unrelated to you; however, family, friends, and neighbors providing care to children don’t require a childcare license. 

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) manages childcare licensing in Washington state. They ensure children in daycares are in safe and healthy environments. The DCYF issues licenses for three types of early learning programs in Washington:

  • Family home early learning programs: Provides child care or education services for 12 or fewer children from 0-11 years old in the family dwelling where the childcare provider lives. 
  • Child care center early learning programs: Provides regularly scheduled care for children ages 0-12 years at a commercial facility for less than 24 hours a day.
  • School-age programs: Provides regularly scheduled care for children ages 5-12 years for less than 24 hours a day when children aren’t attending school. These facilities are located on school grounds, commercial spaces, or private faith-based facilities.

Childcare licensing requirements in Washington state

Before starting a daycare business, you must meet specific childcare licensing requirements in Washington.

Family home and child care center licensing requirements

A family home licensee must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Have an early childhood education (ECE) initial certificate or equivalent
  • Have an ECE short certificate or equivalent

Center early learning program licensees:

  • Must meet the requirements of a center director

The center director and assistant directors must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have an ECE state certificate or equivalent
  • Have two years of experience as a teacher of children in any age group enrolled in the early learning program and at least six months of experience in administration or management or a department-approved plan
  • Complete the applicable pre service requirements

Center program supervisors must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have an ECE state certificate or equivalent
  • Have two years of experience as a teacher of children in any age group enrolled in any early learning program

Lead teachers must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Complete the applicable pre-service requirements
  • Have an ECE certification or equivalent

Aides must:

  • Be at least 14 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be currently enrolled in high school or an equivalent education program
  • Complete the applicable pre-service requirements
  • Have their professional development progress documented annually

Other personnel indirectly involved in child care must:

  • Complete and pass a background check
  • Have negative tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Complete program-based staff policies and training

Volunteers must be:

  • At least 14 years old
  • Work under the direct supervision of a lead teacher, program supervisor, center director, assistant director, assistant teacher, or family home licensee
  • Complete and pass a background check
  • Complete a TB test
  • Complete the training requirements
  • Complete program-based staff policies and training
  • Have their professional development progress documented annually

Center capacity, ratio, and group size

The department shall determine the capacity for a center early learning program based on the following:

  • Square footage of the early learning program
  • A provider’s education and ongoing training
  • The age range of children requested or approved by the department
  • The amount of developmentally appropriate equipment, materials, and toys an early learning program can provide children to use
  • A provider’s licensing history with the department
  • The number of qualified staff available to meet staff-to-child ratios

According to the regulations, center licensees must always stay within the total capacity or age range stated on the childcare license.

Ratios

Infants (birth through 11 months):

  • Maximum group size of eight with a ratio of one staff person to four children (1:4)
  • Maximum group size of nine with a ratio of one staff person to three children (1:3)

Toddlers (12 through 29 months):

  • Maximum group size of 14 with a ratio of one staff person to seven children (1:7)
  • Maximum group size of 15 with a ratio of one staff person to five children (1:5)

Preschoolers (30 months through 6 years):

  • A maximum group size of 20 with a ratio of one staff person to ten children (1:10)

Family home capacity, ratio, and group size

The department only allows family homes to care for a maximum of 12 children.

The department considers the following to determine a family home early learning program capacity:

  • Square footage of the early learning program
  • An early learning provider’s years of experience in licensed child care
  • A provider’s education and ongoing training
  • The age range requested or approved by the department
  • The amount of developmentally appropriate equipment, materials, and toys an early learning program can provide children to use
  • A provider’s licensing history with the department
  • The number of qualified staff available to meet staff-to-child ratios

Ratios and capacity
  • For providers with less than one year of experience, the department only allows a capacity of up to six children, birth through 12
  • For providers with at least one year but less than two years of experience, the department only allows a capacity of up to eight children ages two through 12 if the provider is working alone. The department allows a capacity of up to nine children from birth through 12 years if the provider is working with a qualified assistant.
  • Providers with at least two years of experience working alone may request a capacity of up to 10 children ages three through 12 or a capacity of up to 12 for school-age children only. If working with a qualified assistant, they may request a capacity of up to 12 children from birth through 12 years, with a maximum of six children under two years.
  • Providers with two years of experience may request a license for children from birth to 24 months of age with a maximum group size of eight if two staff are present, the staff-to-child ratio is 1:4, and 15 additional square feet are provided for each infant or toddler.

Indoor early learning program space capacity
  • Indoor early learning program space must have a minimum of 35 square feet per child in attendance

Childcare license application in Washington

Below are the steps to apply for a childcare license in Washington.

Step 1: Sign up for an orientation

Whether applying for a family home, childcare center, or school-age program license, participation in an orientation program is crucial. 

Family home and childcare center orientations are available online in modules one and two. You’ll be issued an orientation completion certificate(s) upon completing the orientation(s). You must email the certificate to [email protected] to access the provider portal and online application. 

Step 2: Complete and submit your license application

Emailing a copy of the orientation completion certificate grants you access to the childcare provider portal and online license application. Next, complete the Family Home and Center Child Care License Application or School-Age Program Application, depending on your interest. The department will process your license application within three months from your submission date. Ensure you’ve completed all parts as required in the application forms. Use the checklist at the bottom of the forms to double-check. 

Step 3: Pass a facility inspection

The department will inspect your facility to determine if you comply with the requirements. The inspection involves assessing both indoor and outdoor areas.

Step 4: Approval

The department will award you a license if satisfied with your application. They issue three different types of childcare licenses: 

  • An initial license is a six-month license allowing you to offer child care while the state department of early learning (DEL) determines whether you can meet the licensing requirements over time.
  • A full license is issued when DEL decides that you can meet state licensing standards. The license must be renewed every three years.
  • A probationary license is issued when you’re not meeting state licensing rules, or DEL has complaints and concerns about the care you offer. However, DEL only issues this license when certain children’s health and safety aren’t threatened and they believe you can improve.

Childcare licensing fees in Washington are currently suspended until June 30, 2023. Also, consider contacting your local licensing office to know your application status if it’s already six days after submission.

Obtaining your license and writing a business plan are some of the first steps to operating your business. A tool like brightwheel’s center management feature streamlines your center’s admissions process, record-keeping, and reporting. It will save you time on administrative tasks and consolidate your center operations in one place, allowing you to scale your business when  you’re ready. In addition to childcare management software, you’ll need to choose a name for your daycare center and determine your marketing strategies to help grow your program.

How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Washington

A full license expires after three years. You must submit a license renewal application 30 days before the current license expires. You must also submit a background check application every three years, when you hire a new person, move into a new home, or when a household member turns 13.

Start a daycare business in Washington

There are three early learning program types in Washington that require a license. Each program has specific requirements to stay compliant and operate your business. With careful planning and research, you can navigate the license application process with ease and ensure your facility is providing a safe and healthy environment for children to learn.

Washington Child Care Centers

With 2,412 preschools and child development centers operating in the state of Washington, the right daycare option is waiting for you.
Whether you prefer a larger preschool with an innovative early childhood curriculum or the cozy personalization of smaller daycare centers, there are Washington childcare centers to fit every preference and budget.
Check out the Quick Search box on the right hand side of the page in order to search for childcare providers by zip code or city/state. You can also click on your Washington county and follow the links.
You will be able to access information about scores of different childcare providers in your area, complete with reviews, business hours, a street view map, the age ranges the childcare providers service, the size of the service, and where the provider is located.

Childcare Center Search

In ZIP Code (i.e. 33781):

Or City/State (i.e Orlando,FL):

If you’re looking for a family day care provider in Washington, click on Washington Home Daycare.

Washington Child Care Centers by Washington County:

  • Asotin (11)
  • Benton (60)
  • Chelan (24)
  • Clallam (24)
  • Clark (119)
  • Cowlitz (32)
  • Franklin (29)
  • Grant (24)
  • Grays Harbor (22)
  • Island (18)
  • King (866)
  • Kitsap (79)
  • Kittitas (13)
  • Lewis (25)
  • Mason (11)
  • Okanogan (16)
  • Pierce (285)
  • Skagit (38)
  • Snohomish (202)
  • Spokane (172)
  • Thurston (92)
  • Walla Walla (19)
  • Whatcom (84)
  • Whitman (12)
  • Yakima (92)

All Washington Washington Counties

Latest updates to Washington childcare center database:

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Busy Bees Child Development Center – Chula Vista CA DAY CARE CENTER

Wonderforest Preschool

Snohomish, WA 98290 | (360) 761-0770

Come explore and play on 5 acres of partially forested trails. Bake bread and play in the main house, learn biology in the butterfly house, play on one of our two playgrounds, and hear a story in our 19′ bell tent. Circle time is song-and-dance based, so learning is always fun and engaging. Our Christian preschool offers a holistic curriculum for children to also engage in arts, crafts, and handicrafts while also learning horticulture by growing plants seasonally. Our innovative curriculum is created to nurture the whole child and create a magical childhood experience not found anywhere else. 
Apply Online for Free 
Located in the Three Lakes area of Snohomish countryside 15 minutes from Monroe and 20 minutes from Lake Stevens. 
Our program is offered 5 days a week, Monday through Friday for 3.5 hrs a day each class.
Morning Class
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Mon-Fri
Evening Class
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm Mon-Fri

ES WASHINGTON

Bellevue, WA 98006 | (425) 223-5798

International Montessori Academy is a private, multilingual school for young children in Washington state, offering full immersion programs in Chinese and Japanese and bilingual models in Chinese and Spanish. Our integrated Montessori classrooms and Montessori-based teaching methods help children move through a thoughtful continuum that fosters independence and the acquisition or social, emotional and academic skills. IMA has 3 campuses in Seattle & Bellevue, WA. Learn More about our program and visit us today to experience IMA and all that our program has to offer your child.

ABC Learning Center Redmond

Redmond, WA 98052 | (425) 896-8411

High quality licensed childcare providing supportive, nurturing and intellectually stimulating care for children 1 month – 6 years of age. We provide a place where all families are welcomed and supported. Our daily schedule provides our students with a balance between child-led play and teacher-led experiences. Our teachers have all industry standard certifications and annual professional development requirements, as well as required initial and state certification through the college of their choice subsequent to hire. We use Learning Beyond Paper, a curriculum integrated with staff training and methods to support, customize, and scaffold learning within the provided lesson plans. All curricular activities and corresponding learning outcomes are shared with parents through Procare’s parent engagement app. Curricular learning outcomes are aligned with WA State Standards for Early Learning. We help our students fall in love with learning from the start with open communication, guidance, and excitement.

Collaboration Station

Seattle, WA 98115 | (206) 251-0037

We are a child directed program centered around supporting children in carrying out there own creative ideas!

Washington 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
Web Site: http://www.del.wa.gov
Note: Physical address: 649 Woodland Sq. Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503

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Washington | Washington D.

C. | Washington DC

Washington DC – City of Washington

The official capital of the United States, a city located within the District of Columbia, which is a separate territory that is not part of any state. Washington was founded in 1790. The name of the city was chosen in honor of the first president of America – George Washington, to emphasize his merits in the founding and gaining the independence of the American state. Washington is located in the east of the country, not far from the Atlantic coast of the United States, on the territory that the two US states of Virginia and Maryland allotted for this purpose.

Compared to many other cities in the United States, Washington is quite small – about 650 thousand people live within the city, but together with the suburbs, called the Washington metropolitan area, the population is an impressive 5 million people.

September 18, 1793, the first US President George Washington laid the foundation stone for the future Capitol building with his own hands. In addition, all three branches of government of the United States of America are located here: the President of the United States, who lives in the city center, in his residence – the White House, the US Congress, which sits in the Capitol building, as well as the judiciary represented by the US Supreme Court. In addition, almost all executive authorities are also located in Washington.

After the decision was made to allocate land and create a city, specifically for the functions of the capital, one of the most famous architects and urban planners, Pierre Lanfant, was appointed the main author of the architectural plan of the capital. He divided the territory of the city with a rectangular grid of streets, and overlaid diagonals on top, which in the future turned into wide city avenues. The architect Langfang envisioned the development of the city in the Baroque style.

Today, Washington is one of the few US cities that impose restrictions on high-rise construction, for this reason there are no skyscrapers in the city, which looks rather unusual for North American cities. Thus, the tallest building within the city is the Washington Monument, whose highest point is at around 169meters. The oldest part of the city of Washington is called Georgetown, the buildings in this area of ​​the capital date back to the end of the seven hundredth years.

Washington is a city of southern industriousness and northern charm.

– John F. Kennedy

Every four years, residents of Washington and guests of the city watch on the streets of the capital one of the most important events in the country’s political life – the inauguration of the highest official – the President of the United States. Anyone can attend the inauguration ceremony, admission to which is always free. Usually, uninvited guests watch the inauguration from an area located in the center of the city’s government quarter called the National Mall.

With the onset of spring (end of March – beginning of April, depending on weather conditions), the most tourist season begins in Washington, which falls during the cherry blossom season, the festival is called the “National Cherry Festival”. Washington is one of the ten most visited cities in the United States by tourists, in 2015 it was visited by 19.3 million tourists from all over the world.

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90,000 Washington facilitates the return of an American soldier from North Korea

Private Travis King, who served in South Korea, crossed the border of the DPRK during a tour of the Demilitarized Zone

Sung Kim, Special Envoy for North Korea, said on Thursday that Washington is actively facilitating the return of US soldier Travis King. On Tuesday, King separated from the tour group and crossed the heavily guarded border into North Korea. As a result, Washington faced a new diplomatic challenge amid an already tense military confrontation.

Sung Kim reported on the work on King’s comeback ahead of a trilateral meeting in Japan with Japanese and South Korean colleagues. During the meeting, the diplomats discussed countering the threat from North Korea.

North Korea remains silent on the incident. The Pentagon said Pyongyang did not respond to an official request from the Department of Defense.

The North Korean media, which previously reported on the detention of American citizens, have not yet commented on the incident.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed at a briefing that the Pentagon had been “contacting” Korean People’s Army colleagues about King.

King, along with tourists, was on an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone that separates South and North Korea. He abruptly crossed the Military Demarcation Line that had divided Korea ever since the 1953 truce ended hostilities.

While serving in South Korea, King was fined for bodily harm and held in custody for some time. He was sent with an escort to the airport this week to be flown to the US, two administration sources said.

Under unclear circumstances, after passing through gate control, King escaped. He later went on a tour with a group of about 40 people to the Joint Security Zone at the border.