The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Washington Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Washington. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
WASHINGTON Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
The Department of Early Learning’s (DEL)
1110 Jefferson St. S.E. Olympia, WA 98501
https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=110-300&full=true
(360) 725-4665
License renewal is required once every three years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
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|
1-11 Mos. |
12-29 Mos. |
30 Mos.-6 Years |
5+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:3 or 1:4 |
1:7 |
1:10 |
1:15 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 or 9 |
14 |
20 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
14 |
20 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
490 sf. |
700 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per child
- The outdoor play must have a variety of equipment for variety of ages like climbing, pulling, pushing, riding, and balancing activities.
- The licensee must provide a written plan, approved by the department, to make roadways and other dangers next to the licensed outdoor play space.
- If the childcare uses a rotational schedule of outdoor play periods, you may reduce the child’s play size area.
- Programs that do not operate on public or private school premises, the department may approve all of the outdoor space for use by a childcare program that has been maintained using the Consumer Product Safety Commissions Public Playground Safety Handbook.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
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4 |
A childcare must arrange staff meetings and training opportunities at least quarterly. |
13 |
In child care’s licensed for 13 or more children, you can group children between 1 year old’s and 2 years old’s of age who are walking. |
18 |
Childcare staff must be 18 years old or older and have high school education or child development knowledge and experience. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
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Staff and volunteers must wash their hands with soap and warm water. |  |
All food is prepared onsite unless food is given to the child from the parent and catering food is licensed by the local health jurisdiction. |  |
Store each child’s bedding separately from bedding from other children. Once the bedding is used, it is considered dirty and can not be touched by any other child. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019