Washington childcare licensing requirements.
Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for Washington — per DCYF Foundational Quality Standards (WAC 110-300). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.
Staff-to-child ratios in Washington
| Age group | Ratio | Max group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| toddler | 1:7 | 14 |
| Preschool (3-5 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 | 30 |
Per DCYF Foundational Quality Standards (WAC 110-300). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.
Required certifications
Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprint background check per WAC 110-300-0100
Renews every 60 months
First aid certification required for all staff
Renews every 24 months
Washington Food Worker Card required for staff handling food
Renews every 24 months
Training on HIV/AIDS and blood-borne pathogens required
Renews every 36 months
Washington required 30 hours basic training within first 90 days per WAC 110-300-0107
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
Washington MERIT (Managed Education and Registry Information Tool) registration required
Infant and child CPR certification required per WAC 110-300-0106
Renews every 24 months
Safe sleep practices training for infant caregivers
Renews every 36 months
Washington required 10 STARS hours annual professional development per WAC 110-300-0107
Renews every 12 months
TB test or risk assessment required for all staff
Drill requirements
| Drill | Frequency | Required |
|---|---|---|
| fire | monthly | Yes |
| earthquake | quarterly | Yes |
Washington DCYF Pre-Inspection Checklist
- License displayed in prominent location
- Capacity not exceeded
- Operating within licensed hours
- Written policies and procedures available
- Parent handbook current and distributed
- Indoor space meets minimum (35 sq ft per child)
- Outdoor play area adequate (75 sq ft per child)
- Temperature maintained (65-75°F)
- Adequate lighting in all areas
- Toilets clean and child-accessible
- Handwashing facilities available
- Drinking water readily accessible
Run a Washington program? Keep it compliant without the binder.
Ratios computed live from real check-ins, certifications flagged before they lapse, and inspection-ready reports one click away.