You can do it.
There is tremendous need in our region for quality child care. Free resources, training, and support is available to help you start your own child care business.
Mentorship for new Family Child Care Providers
- Reaching out to the Imagine Institute about their mentorship program is the best first step for participants seeking to open a child care business in their home.
Licensing Questions
- The Department of Children, Youth, and Family Services (DCYF) includes information on the licensing process, rules, and regulations.
- DCYF Licensing Orientation information: Learn about DCYF orientations for child care centers and family home child care providers.
Other Resources
- Child Care Aware of America resources for opening and operating a child care business
- Business Edge – free tools for participants in Early Achievers: Tools, tips, resources, discounts, templates and more to help you run your child care small businesses
- Tom Copeland’s blog on family home child care for individuals who are in the process of starting a child care. The website includes useful handouts and checklists for getting started.
- Child Care Resources in Seattle offers licensing resources, including a handbook template for Family Child Care that can be purchased. These documents were reviewed by the Department of Early Learning, and do not yet reflect current DCYF guidelines and new aligned WACs.
- DCYF’s Foundational Quality Standards Awareness Guide explains the changes that have been taking place with the transition from Department of Early Learning (DEL) to Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), including the updated child care licensing regulations. The guide also contains embedded links to various resources and templates.
Consultation for new Child Care Centers
- Free consultation sessions are available to child care centers that have started the licensing process.
- We also provide training for child care programs and early childhood educators
