Washington Childcare Licensing
Washington Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Washington, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. A child care license is required when a person regularly provides early learning services in their home for one or more children; under RCW 43.216.010 a "family day care provider" ("family home provider") means a child care provider who regularly provides early childhood education and early learning services for not more than 12 children at any given time in the provider's home family living quarters, and must be licensed (RCW 43.216.010).
Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWashington License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
A child care license is required when a person regularly provides early learning services in their home for one or more children
RCW 43.216.010
under RCW 43.216.010 a "family day care provider" ("family home provider") means a child care provider who regularly provides early childhood education and early learning services for not more than 12 children at any given time in the provider's home family living quarters, and must be licensed (RCW 43.216.010).
RCW 43.216.010
The department issues family home child care licenses for up to 12 children birth through 12 years of age, with a maximum of six children under two years of age, and two early learning program staff are required anytime more than six children are in care and any child in care is under two years of age (WAC 110-300-0355).
WAC 110-300-0355
Go Deeper
Generate a Washington-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Washington childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Washington License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Washington without a license?
A child care license is required when a person regularly provides early learning services in their home for one or more children; under RCW 43.216.010 a "family day care provider" ("family home provider") means a child care provider who regularly provides early childhood education and early learning services for not more than 12 children at any given time in the provider's home family living quarters, and must be licensed (RCW 43.216.010).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Washington?
Operating above the Washington exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Washington offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Washington offers a voluntary registry with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
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.