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.
At the Department of Early Learning (DEL), we understand that as a licensed child care provider you not only care for children, but for your business too!
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Like other professionals, early childhood care providers strive to increase their knowledge, skills and abilities.
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The State Training and Registry System (STARS) offers initial and ongoing child care training linked to state minimum licensing requirements.
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The Washington State Child Care Facility Fund was created to help increase the availability of quality, affordable, convenient child care for working families by providing loans and grants to licensed child care centers, or centers in the process of becoming licensed.
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