Maintaining Your Child Care License
Did you know? Child care providers can now submit Annual Compliance forms online through the WA Compass Provider Portal!
Follow these 3 steps every year to maintain your child care license:
Note: All of these must be done 30 days before your license anniversary date.
DCYF Celebrates Provider Appreciation Day
Governor Ferguson signed a proclamation declaring May 8, 2026 as Provider Appreciation Day! In recognition, DCYF would like to take a moment to celebrate the important work that our early learning and child care providers do each and every day.
Licensed and Unlicensed Child Care FAQ
DCYF has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for anyone who is thinking about providing child care or wants to learn more about DCYF licensing requirements. The FAQ explains the rules about child care licensing in Washington state.
Learn about:
Q&A: State Auditor’s Office Audit Findings of DCYF Programs
The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) recently released its Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit, which reviewed federal funds used by state agencies, including the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Working Connections Child Care Program Updates Webinar
The 2026 legislative session included significant changes to Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) policy and rates to achieve cost savings in response to the state’s budget needs.
DCYF is hosting webinars to share updates on these changes, how they will be implemented, and their impact to providers who participate in WCCC.
Gov. Ferguson Signs PreK Promise Account into Law, Enabling Public-Private Partnership to Expand Early Learning
Legislature, Ballmer Group, and Department of Children, Youth, and Families celebrate landmark legislation that will bring high-quality PreK to thousands of families
DCYF to Honor 28 Individuals During Parent Recognition Month (English | Español)
Beginning Feb. 1, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will honor parents, caregivers, and advocates who have shown their commitment to help reduce child abuse and neglect.
Message to Child Care Providers Regarding Federal Funding and Provider Safety (Español | Soomaali | Français)
Message to Child Care Providers Regarding Federal Funding and Provider Safety
We understand there are concerns surrounding child care subsidy payments following news reports of a federal funding freeze.
DCYF Statement in Response to Ongoing Media Coverage Surrounding Child Care Providers
We appreciate our licensed child care providers and the important work they do to care for and educate our youngest learners.
