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Washington Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Washington. Washington also administers a state-funded preschool program — Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) — with additional requirements.

Washington Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with WA DCYF)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group 20
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families — Licensing and Certification Division — Child Care
Regulatory code	WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216
State-funded program	Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)

Washington preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Washington must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families under WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216.

Washington state-funded preschool: Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	20	Ages 30 months–5 years
State-funded preschool (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216, Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families. Always verify current ratios with WA DCYF.

Washington preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Washington childcare center license require a director meeting Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families’s qualification standards under WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Washington must meet minimum education requirements set by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Washington-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Washington

Private preschool programs in Washington follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families center license (private preschool) or Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families — Licensing and Certification Division — Child Care. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216.
For a state-funded preschool: contact WA Dept of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families — Licensing and Certification Division — Child Care.
Official resource: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning/licensing

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Frequently asked questions: Washington preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Washington need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Washington that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families under WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20. Contact Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Washington preschool teacher need?

Washington preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families under WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Washington preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families in Washington, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of 20. For state-funded programs (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program and who qualifies?

Yes — Washington administers Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Washington?

Kindergarten in Washington is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families under WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216 and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Washington Childcare Center Requirements, Washington Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Washington Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families at https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning/licensing before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.