Washington Childcare Licensing
Washington Childcare Required Forms & Documents (2026)
Licensed childcare centers in Washington must collect, complete, and retain specific forms for every enrolled child before care begins. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families requires 6 distinct forms or documents — from enrollment agreements to emergency contacts to immunization records — to remain on file and available for inspection at all times.
Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWashington Required Forms & Documents: The Specifics
Washington childcare centers are required to collect and maintain a completed Enrollment Agreement for every enrolled child (per Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families).
Washington childcare centers are required to collect and maintain a completed Emergency Contact and Authorization for every enrolled child (per Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families).
Washington childcare centers are required to collect and maintain a completed Health Information Form for every enrolled child (per Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families).
Washington childcare centers are required to collect and maintain a completed Immunization Record for every enrolled child (per Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families).
Washington childcare centers are required to collect and maintain a completed Medication Authorization for every enrolled child (per Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families).
Washington childcare centers are required to collect and maintain a completed Parent Handbook Acknowledgment for every enrolled child (per Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families).
Washington Required Forms & Documents at a Glance
| Enrollment Agreement | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families |
|---|---|
| Emergency Contact and Authorization | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families |
| Health Information Form | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families |
| Immunization Record | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families |
| Medication Authorization | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families |
| Parent Handbook Acknowledgment | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families |
Go Deeper
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Washington Required Forms & Documents: Frequently Asked Questions
What forms are required for childcare enrollment in Washington?
Washington requires the following forms for each enrolled child: Enrollment Agreement; Emergency Contact and Authorization; Health Information Form; Immunization Record; Medication Authorization; Parent Handbook Acknowledgment.
How long must Washington childcare centers keep enrollment forms on file?
Washington childcare licensing rules require that child records, including all required enrollment forms, be kept on file for the duration of enrollment and for a retention period after the child leaves. Contact the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families to confirm the exact retention schedule.
What happens if a Washington center is missing required child forms during an inspection?
Missing or incomplete required forms are a citable deficiency in a Washington childcare licensing inspection. Civil fines; license suspension or revocation under RCW 43.216.325
Does TotReady provide templates for Washington required forms?
TotReady's enrollment form tool and incident report tool generate Washington-ready documents pre-filled with the required fields. Visit /tools/enrollment-form and /tools/incident-report to get started.
Washington childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Washington administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.