Getting Licensed in Washington State

Any individual who is paid to care for children not related to them in their home on a regular basis is required by state law to be licensed through the Department of Early Learning. Any program serving more than 12 children is required to be licensed as a child care center and cannot be located in a private residence. Some part-time programs may be eligible to operate as a preschool or a licensed-exempt program. Call the Licensor in your area if you wish to find out about how to start a licensed child care facility at 800-735-7040.