Center Based Child Care
Running a child care center is first and foremost running a very busy small business. However, it's much more than that--it's making a commitment to be a vital part of the development of young children. The successful child care director wears many hats. They must be early childhood educator, business manager, fiscal administrator, safety and health officer, building architect, and so much more.

Child Care Centers are facilities specifically licensed to provide children's programs for 13 or more children. Licensing of these facilities is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services. Centers have specific indoor and outdoor square footage requirements, as well as bathroom, kitchen, and fencing requirements. A police background clearance is required on everyone who works in the center. There must be at least one staff member trained in First Aid and CPR present at all times. Specific teacher/child ratios for age categories must be consistently maintained. The licensing agent remains involved with the center as long as a center is in operation. For further information contact DSHS at 1 (800)557-9671 ext. 3302 or visit the child care licensing website.
Minimum state licensing requirements for centers