Washington State Requirements to Open a Licensed In-Home Daycare

In Washington state, if you provide regular care in your home for children who are not related to you, you are required to obtain and keep in good status a Washington state business license, as well as Department of Social and Health Services certification.

Local Zoning Ordinances and Codes

Because laws vary from city to city, you need to work with local authorities to obtain information on specific zoning requirements in your city. Local zoning regulations are the responsibility of the city you live in, and enforcement will be handled by your city authorities, as well.

Some local zoning regulations may regulate things including the location of the child-care facility or home, the amount of outdoor space required for each child, a specific type of fence, the placement and approval of business signs and the size of the parking area.

How DSHS Works With Washington State

Your child-care license from DSHS is based on Washington state regulations, so you will have to work closely with the licensing authority, city authorities and your state laws. If you fail to meet local ordinances, you can be fined, so open and honest communication is best for your in-home daycare.

There are financial benefits to obtaining your Washington state in-home daycare license, including the fact that licensed homes are eligible to enroll in a state-subsidized payment program to help low-income parents to pay the costs of daycare. A USDA child nutrition program is also available, which will reimburse a home-care provider with money if a recommended menu is followed and meets USDA standards.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Licensed

There are several questions to consider when you are considering moving forward with your in-home daycare business.

1. Is your home near emergency facilities?
2. If you rent, does your landlord agree with your plan?
3. Are there enough bathrooms, sinks and kitchen facilities?
4. Is there an approved playground nearby? Or is your yard fenced and up to code?

These questions will come up when you are applying for the license in Washington state.

Getting Started

Prior to opening your business, you need to find a resource for local information on zoning, licenses and competition. Talk with your neighbors and ensure you have their support, and evaluate the size of your home and amount of space you are intending to use for your in-home daycare.

Next, attend a DSHS licensing orientation session. These are required, free and widely available, and this is a vital first step in your licensing process. Get information and forms for all federal, state and local taxes, fill these forms out, and file them. The state of Washington provides one-step business registration, which you can take advantage of by requesting a Master Business License Kit. After you are done filing those forms out, you should move on to dealing with your local business license requirements.

Submit your child-care license applications to DSHS. You have to submit these forms at least 90 days prior to your opening. On these forms are several important questions and requests, including:

1. Do you require an assistant?
2. Are you ready to have your home inspected?
3. Did you contact your references?
4. Written documentation of your early childhood training and experience
5. Compliance with a criminal background check

Minimum Licensing Requirements

There are several minimum licensing requirements for obtaining an in-home daycare license, including:

1. A criminal background check that shows no criminal activity
2. An up-to-date CPR care and first aid training certifications
3. HIV/AIDS training and blood-borne pathogen certification of training
4. Inspection of your home and areas you want to watch children, with a focus on the safety and health of the children in your care
5. Your licensing forms, files and tax documents submitted containing correct and verified information

The number of children you can care for depends on several factors, and is different from city to city. Statewide regulations depend on these things:

1. Physical environment in the home
2. The number of approved staff
3. Your education and experiences
4. The ages, characteristics and needs of children in your care
5. The number and ages of your own children
6. The supply of developmentally appropriate toys

Finally, remember that you need to reinstate your license every three years.

References

• Childcarenet.org
• Washington State Child Care Regulations

Resources

• Child Care.net