DEL to Review Child Care Center WAC 170-295

In 2012, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) will start reviewing child care center licensing rules in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 170-295.  This will be the first substantial update since 2003.

Before we begin reviewing the rules, we want to hear what you think about the current child care center licensing rules:

  • Which rules should change?
  • Which rules should remain the same?
  • Are there any rules that should be eliminated?
  • Should DEL consider any new requirements that are not addressed in the current rules?

DEL is interested in suggestions that are child-centered and evidence- or research-based.

How to give input
Submit your comments by April 30, 2012 by one of the following methods:
Online: DEL Rules Comment webpage.  Click “Add Comment” to give your input, or “View Comments” to read what others have said.
Email: Rules@del.wa.gov
Postal mail: 
DEL Rules Coordinator
Washington State Department of Early Learning
P.O. Box 40970
Olympia, WA 98504-0970

What happens next?
DEL will review all comments and decide on a process and estimated timeline for drafting and adopting the revised child care center rules. Once that process is complete, DEL will file and post proposed rules, hold public hearings, take other steps required by law to adopt the rules. Information about the rules process, timelines and opportunities for input will be posted on this page.  

When the child care center rules are revised, they will likely be written in a more user-friendly style, similar to new WAC 170-296A – Licensed family home child care – adopted in November 2011.  

Interested in learning more about DEL rules? Receive information about current rules, draft rules and notices of rule changes:

By email: Contact the DEL Rules Coordinator

Or by hard copy, write to:

Rules Coordinator
Washington State Department of Early Learning
P.O. Box 40970
Olympia, WA 98504-0970