Training requirements for child care providers

Washington training requirements, called STARS, have been in place since 1999 for:

  • All family child care providers.
  • Directors, program supervisors, site coordinators , and lead staff in child care centers and school-age programs

These individuals must meet the STARS 20-hour basic training within six months of being licensed or hired. The 20-hour basic training requirement can be met through:

  • STARS 20-hour basic training
  • Two college quarter credits of STARS-approved basic training
  • Approved educational exemption application submitted through MERIT

These individuals must take 10 hours of continuing education each calendar year after that. STARS training can be found by searching on MERIT, Washington’s online tool for managing training and education.

Child care aides, assistants, substitutes and volunteers are encouraged (but not required) to participate in STARS.

State child care licensing rules also require additional basic safety and health training, including training in: HIV/AIDS and bloodborne pathogen; first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and program policies and plans.

For specific rules about STARS requirements, and safety and health training requirements, visit the child care licensing rules page.