Open the official state resources
Start with the state licensing information linked on this page. Find the office that regulates family or home-based child care in the county or region where you live.
Provider PathBy Holly’s Growing Minds StudioEspañolWA guide
WA home child care
How to start a home daycare in Washington.
Start with Washington DCYF’s licensed-provider guidance and choose the appropriate family-home or center pathway. Follow the rules, orientation, background checks, and application instructions for that setting. MERIT is the workforce registry used for professional records and related qualifications or training tasks. Completing a MERIT profile is not the same as obtaining a program license or receiving approval for a particular capacity.
Working Connections Child Care update
Separate subsidy timelines for family homes and centers
Source check: September 28, 2026
DCYF’s implementation schedule for enacted 2026 legislation separates family eligibility changes from provider billing changes. WCCC eligibility remains at 60% of state median income (SMI); the planned expansion was canceled. Updated monthly copays range from $0 to $297.
- October 1, 2026
- New income-dollar limits and copayment groups apply to families applying on or after this date, including reapplications for a new eligibility period beginning October 1.
- October 2026 services
- Child care centers begin the new attendance-based payment system.
- July 2027 services
- Licensed family home providers begin the new attendance-based payment system.
For family home providers
- Check each family’s authorization and assigned copay when eligibility is renewed.
- Follow the current family-home billing instructions and prepare for the July 2027 transition.
- Watch DCYF’s implementation page for updated training and billing guidance.
Source review: September 13, 2026
Reviewed background-check resources, home-provider resources, provider-start guidance, rules navigation, provider support, professional-development guidance. This was a targeted review of the linked public guidance, not a complete review of every rule or local requirement.
Individual courses, staff qualifications, local approvals and account submissions have not been certified by this review. Confirm those details with the responsible agency.
Free state paperwork guide
Forms & records for Washington.
DCYF's family-home paperwork combines downloadable forms with WA Compass annual compliance and MERIT background checks. Use the family-home orientation and application path, not the center or school-age checklist.
- Family Home Licensing Application Process
Complete matching orientation and obtain application support.
Official source ↗ - Annual Compliance Forms
Maintain the license with annual compliance paperwork, checks, and fee.
Official source ↗ - Child Care Registration Form · DCYF 15-879
Record child identity, parent contacts, and care entry/exit information.
Official source ↗ - Child Care Injury/Incident Report · DCYF 15-941
Report covered serious injuries and risks, including emergency responses.
Official source ↗ - Child Care Medication Authorization · DCYF 15-968
Obtain written signed permission for medication administration.
Official source ↗ - Fire, Safety, Emergency Drills Record · DCYF 15-892
Record fire, safety, and emergency drills.
Official source ↗ - Portable Background Check Application
Request the portable background check using MERIT/STARS ID.
Official source ↗
Paperwork sources reviewed September 14, 2026. The full guide identifies provider types, use instructions, format choices, and review limits.
Your starting roadmap
Seven steps to organize the process.
This roadmap shows what most applicants need to ask about. It does not replace Washington’s current packet, regulations or licensing representative.
Prepared byHolly
Teacher, former in-home provider, and family child care specialist with more than 35 years in early childhood.
Source standardReview scope matters
How Provider Path is researched →Targeted source review dated September 13, 2026. The source-review note identifies the scope and limits. Confirm your category and location before applying.
Confirm which provider type applies
Ask whether your program will be licensed, registered, certified or legally license-exempt. The answer can depend on capacity, children’s ages, relationship to the children and whether care happens in your own home.
Request the application and orientation
Ask how to receive the current application packet and whether orientation is required before applying. Follow the state’s order instead of completing training, fingerprints or home changes too early.
Build your paperwork and training file
Confirm the required identification, education, health records, references, household information, emergency plans, insurance, training and local approvals. Keep copies of every document and certificate.
Complete background checks as directed
Ask exactly who must be checked, which forms are required and where approved fingerprinting is completed. Requirements may include caregivers, substitutes, employees and household members.
Prepare the home for inspection
Use the current state rules to review exits, alarms, sleeping and play spaces, outdoor areas, pets, water safety, medications, supervision, emergency plans and any local fire, zoning or health requirements.
Submit, inspect and follow up
Submit the complete packet in the order your licensing office requires. Prepare for the home visit, correct any remaining items and wait for written approval before operating when a license or registration is required.
Questions for your first call
Write these answers down.
The first conversation with the licensing office can save you from paying for the wrong training, inspection or home changes.
- Which home child care category fits my planned capacity?
- Do I need orientation before receiving or submitting the packet?
- Which documents and training certificates are submitted together?
- Who needs background checks, and when should fingerprints be completed?
- Which local fire, health, zoning or business approvals apply?
- Is liability insurance required, and what coverage limit or proof must I provide?
- May I operate before final written approval?
Official starting links
Use current sources for the final answer.
Choose training for your setting and role.
Program licensing, workforce records and staff qualifications are separate tasks. Use the correct DCYF orientation for the setting, then the MERIT and staff-role guidance to track applicable records and training.
Before enrolling, confirm the exact course, provider category, staff role, format, required topics and hours, completion deadline, renewal and accepted certificate. Check pediatric CPR and first aid separately; a general online child-development or health-and-safety course is not a substitute for the certification your agency accepts.
Provider starting point
DCYF licensed-provider guidance
Identify your provider category and the office responsible for your application.
Open resource ↗Home child careChoose family-home or center licensing orientation
Use the family or home child care guidance for the category you plan to operate.
Open resource ↗Rules and standardsCenter and family-home rules: WAC 110-300
Choose the current rules for your program category and confirm the effective edition with the agency.
Open resource ↗Background checksDCYF background-check rules: WAC 110-06
Confirm who must be checked, the required documents and the timing before arranging checks.
Open resource ↗Professional developmentMERIT workforce records and training support
Find professional-development guidance and confirm the exact course, format and certificate for your role.
Open resource ↗Provider supportDCYF staff qualifications by role
Find practical assistance and contact information for your next step.
Open resource ↗Inspection recordsWashington provider and inspection search
Use the state’s search starting point to understand monitoring records and how licensed programs are displayed.
Open inspection resource ↗Child care assistanceWashington subsidy resources
Find the state program that helps eligible families pay for care and ask how providers participate.
Open assistance resources ↗Meal reimbursementWashington CACFP finder
Start with the USDA and state directories for family day care home sponsors and program contacts.
Find food-program contacts →Insurance regulatorWashington insurance department
Verify companies and agents, find consumer help, and ask state insurance questions.
Open state regulator directory ↗Business protection guideHome daycare insurance questions
Check state requirements, home-policy exclusions, child-capacity eligibility, and provider options.
Open insurance guide →Program setupEquipment and supplier guide
Compare professional and budget sources, then track verified items, quotes, purchases, and recall checks.
Plan equipment purchases →After written approvalMarketing and enrollment guide
Build a clear program description and a responsible 30-day plan for filling openings.
Plan responsible promotion →