How to start a daycare in Washington.

Washington State Department of Children licenses child care centers in Washington. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 3, 2026.

Opening a child care center in Washington, step by step

  1. Contact the Pre-licensing Team

    Contact DCYF's Pre-licensing Team. It gives personal help through the licensing process.

    Source: Pre-Licensing and the Licensing Process

  2. Get a certificate of occupancy

    Get a type E or I-4 certificate of occupancy from your local government.

    Source: Child Care Licensing Overview (LIC_0134)

  3. Register for a STARS ID in MERIT

    Register for a STARS ID in MERIT, DCYF's online workforce registry.

    Source: Pre-Licensing and the Licensing Process

  4. Complete the licensing orientation

    Take the online licensing orientation. Save your certificate, since it goes with your application.

    Source: Pre-Licensing and the Licensing Process

  5. Start background checks

    Start background checks in MERIT for yourself, your staff and your volunteers.

    Source: Family Home and Center Child Care License or Certification Application (DCYF 15-955)

  6. Apply in the WA Compass Provider Portal

    Submit your licensing application online in the WA Compass Provider Portal.

    Source: WA Compass Provider Portal

  7. Pass the onsite inspection

    A licensor inspects your program. DCYF checks that you meet the rules before it issues a license.

    Source: Child Care Licensing Overview (LIC_0134)

  8. Finish the inspection items

    Complete any items on the inspection report. Then DCYF issues your license.

    Source: Pre-Licensing and the Licensing Process

At a glance

Who licenses centers
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licenses anyone who provides child care outside a child's home, unless they are exempt.Source: Child Care Licensing Overview (LIC_0134)
Child care center
Care in a building or facility for children from birth to age 13Source: Become a Licensed Child Care & Early Learning Provider
Orientation
Required before you applySource: Child Care Licensing Overview (LIC_0134)
How many children
Set at your first licensing inspectionSource: Child Care Licensing Overview (LIC_0134)
Drinking water
Lead and copper test results go with your applicationSource: Family Home and Center Child Care License or Certification Application (DCYF 15-955)
Rules for centers and family homes
WAC 110-300Source: Become a Licensed Child Care & Early Learning Provider

Good to know

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Questions, answered

How do I start a daycare in Washington?

The first step: Contact the Pre-licensing Team. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who licenses child care centers in Washington?

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licenses anyone who provides child care outside a child's home, unless they are exempt.

About this page

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 3, 2026.

This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.

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