2024 CCDF rule update: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tightened CCDBG attendance documentation requirements. Washington providers receiving subsidy payments must maintain verifiable attendance records. The January 2026 ACF proposed rule may restore state flexibility, but documentation requirements remain in effect during the comment period.
| Licensing agency | 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 |
| Infant ratio (center) | 1:4 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio (center) | 1:7 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio (center) | 1:10 (max group: 20) |
| Subsidy program | Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) |
| CCDBG payment model | Enrollment-based |
| Digital attendance required | Yes — attendance documentation required for subsidy compliance |
Washington childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Washington licensed childcare centers 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.
| Age group |
Staff:child ratio |
Max group size |
Regulation |
| Infant (0–18 months) |
1:4 |
— |
WA DCYF WAC 110-300-0356 |
| Toddler (18–36 months) |
1:7 |
— |
WA DCYF WAC 110-300-0356 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) |
1:10 |
20 |
WA DCYF WAC 110-300-0356 |
Source: WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216. Always verify current ratios directly with WA DCYF before making staffing decisions.
Washington childcare licensing agency
All childcare programs in Washington must be licensed by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families through the Licensing and Certification Division — Child Care. The agency conducts pre-licensing inspections, issues licenses, and performs ongoing compliance monitoring.
| Agency | Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families |
| Division | Licensing and Certification Division — Child Care |
| Website | https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning/licensing |
| Regulatory code | WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216 |
| Last verified | March 2026 |
What changed for Washington childcare providers in 2024–2026
2024
HHS CCDF final rule — attendance documentation tightened. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule requiring all states to tighten CCDBG attendance tracking. Washington providers receiving subsidy payments must maintain verifiable, date-stamped attendance records for each subsidized child.
Jan 2026
ACF proposed rule — state flexibility may be restored. The Administration for Children and Families published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would allow states to choose between enrollment-based and attendance-based payment models. The rule was in the public comment period as of early 2026. Check
acf.hhs.gov for the latest status.
Washington CCDBG / subsidy compliance requirements
Washington’s Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy program — Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) — is administered by WA Dept of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). Providers accepting subsidy-funded children must meet attendance documentation requirements to receive reimbursement.
| Program name | Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) |
| Administering agency | WA Dept of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) |
| Payment model | In transition — historically attendance-based; 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based; Jan 2026 NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility |
| Digital attendance required | Yes — attendance documentation required for subsidy compliance |
| Absence policy | Verify from WA DCYF — 5 paid absence days per month (per WCCC policy) |
Washington is transitioning between payment models as federal policy evolves. The 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based payment; the Jan 2026 ACF NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility. Digital attendance documentation is essential audit protection during this period of uncertainty.
Brightwheel helps Washington providers stay compliant.
Digital attendance tracking, parent sign-in/sign-out, and subsidy billing — built for Washington childcare programs navigating the 2024 CCDF rule change.
Digital attendance logs
Timestamped check-in/out records satisfy WA documentation requirements and create an audit-ready trail.
Subsidy billing
Invoice Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) and private-pay families from one platform — no dual systems needed.
Parent sign-in/sign-out
PIN-based parent check-in creates a verifiable attendance record for every drop-off and pickup.
See how brightwheel automates compliance for Washington providers →
Frequently asked questions: Washington childcare licensing
Does Washington require a license to operate a childcare center?
Yes — Washington requires all childcare centers serving children in a group setting to be licensed by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (WA DCYF). Licensing ensures programs meet minimum standards for staff-to-child ratios, director qualifications, facility safety, and health requirements. Operating without a license is prohibited and may result in fines or closure.
What are the staff-to-child ratios for childcare centers in Washington?
Washington licensed childcare centers must maintain the following minimum ratios: infants (under 18 months): 1:4; toddlers (18–36 months): 1:7; preschool age (3–5 years): 1:10 These ratios are set under WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216. Always verify current requirements with WA DCYF.
How does Washington handle CCDBG subsidy attendance documentation?
Washington’s subsidy program is administered through Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) under WA Dept of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). In transition — historically attendance-based; 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based; Jan 2026 NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility. Washington is transitioning between payment models as federal policy evolves. The 2024 CCDF rule required enrollment-based payment; the Jan 2026 ACF NPRM proposes restoring state flexibility. Digital attendance documentation is essential audit protection during this period of uncertainty.
What agency licenses childcare in Washington?
Childcare programs in Washington are licensed by Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families — Licensing and Certification Division — Child Care. The regulatory framework is WAC 110-300 (Child Care and Early Learning — Child Care Centers); RCW 43.216. Visit https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning/licensing for official licensing applications, regulations, and contacts.
How long does it take to get a childcare license in Washington?
The timeline to obtain a childcare center license in Washington typically ranges from 2–6 months depending on application completeness, background check processing, and scheduling of the required pre-licensing inspection. Applicants should contact Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families early in the planning process. Programs may not operate until the license is issued.
Does the 2024 HHS rule change affect Washington childcare providers?
Yes — the 2024 CCDF final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tightened attendance documentation requirements for all states receiving CCDBG funding, including Washington. Washington providers receiving CCAP/subsidy payments must maintain accurate, verifiable attendance records. The January 2026 ACF proposed rule may restore some state flexibility, but documentation requirements remain in effect while the rule is under review.
County-specific childcare requirements in Washington
Childcare licensing in Washington is set at the state level — the same standards apply statewide. However, local requirements vary by county for zoning approvals, conditional use permits, fire safety inspections, health permits, and business licenses. Below are compliance guides for Washington’s 3 largest counties by population.
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.
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.
