Child Care Resources' training schedule is also printed in the current issue of Childhood Community News.

Child Care Resources offers customized STARS Training especially designed for your staff. Read the brochure.

Providers > Licensing

About Licensing

Home Care Provider: In Washington state, any individual who is paid to care for children in her or his own home on a regular basis, is required to be licensed, unless the children are related to the care provider.

Child Care Center: In Washington State, a child care facility is considered a child care center if care is provided outside the licensee's home and offers either full-time or regularly scheduled part-time care.
Visit the Washington State Department of Early Learning website...

The Licensing Process

You can contact Child Care Resources to find out if opening a child care business would be a good choice for you.  We can let you know about the start up costs, whether your facility might be able to be licensed, and help you determine if the market would be favorable for a new child care home or center in your area.  Call us at 206 329-5333. 

Get the DEL licensing handbook

The Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL) is the regulatory authority for child care licensing requirements.

The licensing process begins with orientation. At the orientation, you will learn about licensing laws and receive an application packet with instructions, state regulations, and additional information. A licensor will also be available to answer specific questions. More information...  View the licensing FAQ page...

To Start the Licensing Process, Sign up for an Orientation

The Washington State Department Early Learning (DEL), Child Care and Early Learning (CCEL) offers provider orientations. The DEL orientation schedule includes contact phone numbers to call to reserve your orientation spot. View the DEL Licensing Orientation Schedule 

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) details the licensing requirements for child care centers and is published on the DSHS website. View the licensing requirements

Benefits of Licensing

Becoming licensed is required by law. It is fairly easy to become licensed and CCR is here to help.

Becoming a licensed child care provider allows you to receive a free business listing with Child Care Resources Referral Service. Add a new listing

You can receive the licensed child care provider subsidy when you care for families on Working Connections Child Care Subsidy.  

You can participate in a federal food program which reimburses you for some of your food expenses.

You can gain tax advantages. For information about record keeping requirements for tax purposes, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Books about taxes and record keeping are available from Redleaf Press. www.redleafpress.org

You can purchase liability insurance.

You will have the state and state licensor as resources.

You can take advantage of many community resources.

You can advertise in local newspapers.

You will qualify for a Costco membership.