Getting started

The licensing process begins with orientation, which is usually a group meeting with a Department of Early Learning (DEL) licensor, depending on where you live.

For an overview about becoming a licensed provider, see
Licensed Child Care in Washington State: A Guide for Child Care Providers [10MB].
This DEL handbook is intended to support newly licensed child care providers, as well as answer common questions for people who are thinking about becoming licensed.

At orientation you will receive information about:

  • The licensing process
  • Providing child care
  • Resources to help you through the licensing process
  • Training and other support

At orientation, you will be encouraged to think about why you want to do child care. You'll want to assess your:

  • Business skills
  • Abilities to work with children
  • Determination, personality, experience, and finances
  • Particular child care space

You will receive a license application, instructions about how to fill out the application and other related information. The licensor(s) conducting the orientation will explain how to complete the application form and what other information you must send in with the application.

Once you send in your application, DEL has 90 days to act on your application. If you are applying to offer child care in your home, a DEL licensor will contact you to schedule an inspection. If you are applying for a child care center license, a licensor will come to the center for an inspection. For both family home and center providers, DEL staff will talk with you about how you plan to offer child care, and work closely with you throughout the licensing process.

During the licensing process, you should be in touch with your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency, which maintains a current list of licensed child care centers and homes so they can make child care referrals for parents and guardians needing child care. Agencies also offer a variety of services both for potential and already-licensed child care providers.

View orientation schedules.