Washington state is an early adopter and leader in Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) child care licensing and programming.
ONB programs offer regularly scheduled care for preschool-age children, school-age children, or mixed-age children (preschool and school-age combined), for periods of less than 24 hours a day when children are not in school.
DCYF currently licenses more than 20 Outdoor Nature-Based programs.
If you are interested in applying for an Outdoor Nature-Based child care license, send an email to dcyf.outdoornaturebasedchildcare@dcyf.wa.gov.
- ONB programs can participate in Early Achievers, ECEAP, and child care subsidy programs (including Working Connections Child Care).
- Tribal programs can participate in ONB programming through an interlocal agreement with DCYF.
- ONB programs are eligible to apply for grants that are available to all licensed child care providers
What does an ONB Program Look Like?
View this video that highlights ONB programs across Washington state:
ONB Child Care Orientation
If you are interested in becoming licensed to operate an ONB program, you must complete an orientation.
Go to the DCYF training site and complete the orientation titled: Licensing Orientation for Outdoor Nature-Based Providers.
Outdoor nature-based child care programs are allowed to utilize indoor spaces or structures only to meet the biological needs of children (toileting and handwashing).
An outdoor nature-based program that intends to utilize indoor spaces or structures for educational activities must apply for the relevant child care center or family home child care license.
If you are considering using indoor spaces or structures for use other than biological needs for children, please email dcyf.outdoornaturebasedchildcare@dcyf.wa.gov for help with identifying and accessing the correct orientation for your program.