Child Care Resource & Referral

Starting a Child Care Center 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 Social and Health Services, Office of Child Care Policy. Any program serving more than 12 children is required to be licensed as child care center and cannot be located in a private residence. Some part-time programs may be eligible to operate as preschool or licensed-exempt programs. Call our office to get the number of the Licensing Manager in your area if you wish to find out about how to start a licensed child care facility.