The Department of Early Learning (DEL) licenses more than 7,400 child care centers and family home child care providers within Washington. Licensed child care providers follow minimum licensing requirements set by the state to ensure children in licensed care are in safe, healthy, and nurturing places.
DEL licensors work to help licensed child care providers offer the best programs possible. DEL licensors provide orientation workshops, ensure provider application packets are complete, process background checks, inspect and monitor facilities, and take corrective action as necessary. Working with licensed providers, licensors identify strengths in the child care setting, and offer information and resources when something needs to be changed.
Child care licenses must be renewed every three years. Licensors must license and relicense facilities within 90 days of submission of a completed application. Child care homes must be monitored every 18 months and child care centers, every year.
The benefits of licensed child care include:
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When visiting a child care facility, the children should look happy and engaged.
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Occasionally, parents may need to report that a child care facility is not meeting licensing standards.
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