DEL Rules

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) uses regulations (also known as rules, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC) to oversee:

  • Child care licensing
  • Performance standards for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
  • Subsidy programs that help families pay for child care
  • Background checks for licensed and certified child care providers
  • Hearing rights and procedures to appeal DEL actions
DEL child care licensing rules

DEL regulations set the standards for child care that is licensed or certified by DEL.
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DEL child care subsidy rules

DEL adopts rules that set requirements for families to be eligible for help with paying for child care.
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DEL ECEAP rules

These are the DEL regulations that set the standards for ECEAP.
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Background check rules

DEL does background checks for people applying to work or be involved in DEL-licensed and certified child care.
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Hearing rules

These are the DEL regulations that guide the hearing rights and procedures for individuals appealing certain DEL actions and decisions.
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Interested in learning more about DEL rules? You can join an e-mail list or postal mail list to current rules information. E-mail the DEL Rules Coordinator or write to:

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