Licensed child care centers and family child care homes must pass a criminal background check, attend initial and ongoing training, and pass health and safety inspections. The number of children who can be cared for by one adult is limited by licensing regulations.
If you think child abuse or a health and safety violation is happening at a child care program contact your state's Child Care Health and Safety Violation Report Hotline.
To verify the accreditation and licensing status of a child care center near you or to see if a provider has past complaints or violations, you may visit your state's Department of Licensing.
Once you send in your application, the department may take up to 90 days to process an initial license application.
Unlicensed Facilities If you suspect a facility does not have a license to care for children, you should also use the contact number 1-866-END-HARM to report your concerns. A license ensures a facility is meeting state minimum health and safety standards.
Families residing in Washington state may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy if their income is at or below 60% of the state Median Income (SMI) at application or 65% of SMI when reapplying. For a family of two, that is $3,641 per month, for a family of three $4,498, and for a family of four $5,354.
Unlicensed Facilities If you suspect a facility does not have a license to care for children, you should also use the contact number 1-866-END-HARM to report your concerns. A license ensures a facility is meeting state minimum health and safety standards.
(2) Postings on early learning premises must include: (a) The child care license, pursuant to WAC 110-300-0010; (b) Floor plan with emergency routes and exits identified in each child care area, pursuant to WAC 110-300-0400(1)(b)(i) and 110-300-0470(2)(a)(i); (c) Dietary restrictions, known allergies, and nutrition ...
(4) At the end of six years from the date of the completion of an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect, the department must destroy records relating to unfounded or inconclusive reports, unless a prior or subsequent founded report has been received regarding the child who is the subject of the report, a ...