Washington Childcare Licensing Requirements
Washington childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136.
Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Washington childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0195 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0226 | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0221 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0375 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0140 | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0236 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136(a) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136(b) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | RCW 26.44.030; WAC 110-300-0190 | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0136(c) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0201 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | RCW 49.60.215; WAC 110-300-0020 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0360 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Washington Administrative Code WAC 110-300-0362 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Washington mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddler (12-29 months) | 1:7 |
| Preschool (30-59 months) | 1:10 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
Background Check Requirements
- Washington State Patrol background check
- FBI fingerprint check
- DCYF Background Check Central Unit check
Inspection Frequency
Licensing inspections during initial and renewal periods; complaint investigations
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Civil fines; license suspension or revocation under RCW 43.216.325
Generate a Washington-Compliant Handbook
TotReady generates a fully compliant parent handbook for your Washington childcare center in minutes — with every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Generate a Washington-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Washington childcare parent handbook?
Washington childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Washington?
Childcare licensing in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. You can find official licensing information at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning/childcare-licensing.
What happens if a Washington childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Washington parent handbook requirements can result in: Civil fines; license suspension or revocation under RCW 43.216.325
How often are Washington childcare centers inspected?
Washington childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Licensing inspections during initial and renewal periods; complaint investigations