School-Age Care Providers

School-age care programs give children a safe place to go before and after school, during breaks, and in the summer. In these programs, children spend time with caring adults and do fun activities that help them learn and grow. 

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licenses or approves these programs. This helps make sure they follow health and safety rules and keep children safe.

Meeting Staff Qualifications

If you work in a school-age care program, you must meet the staff qualification requirements for your role. These are listed in WAC 110-301. This law sets the Foundational Quality Standards for School-Age Programs.

For more information, review the General Staff Qualifications for School-Age Providers and details below.

Program Director

  • Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Licensing Orientation (if applicable)
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Hiring Education Requirement:
    • 12 college credits
  • School Age Basics
  • Basic/Standard First Aid
  • CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • Electronic Attendance Training (if applicable)
  • 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training
  • Full Education: 45 college credits
  • Timeline from Date of Hire or Promotion: 5 years

Site Director

  • Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Hiring Education Requirement:
    • 12 college credits
  • School Age Basics
  • Basic/Standard First Aid
  • CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training
  • Full Education: 30 college credits
  • Timeline from Date of Hire or Promotion: 5 years

Lead Teacher

  • Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Hiring Education Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent
    • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • School Age Basics
  • Basic/Standard First Aid
  • CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training
  • Full Education: 12 college credits
  • Timeline from Date of Hire or Promotion: 5 years

Assistant Teacher

  • Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Hiring Education Requirement:
    • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • School Age Basics
  • Basic/Standard First Aid
  • CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training
  • Full Education:
    • Not required

Aide

  • Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Minimum Age: 14
  • Hiring Education Requirement:
    • High School Diploma
    • Enrolled
    • Or equivalent
  • School Age Basics
  • Basic/Standard First Aid
  • CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training
  • Full Education:
    • Not required

Volunteer

  • Background Check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Minimum Age: 14
  • Hiring Education Requirement:
    • Not required
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Food Handler Permit (if applicable)
  • Federal Health and Safety Trainings
    • Disaster & Emergency Preparedness
    • Families Experiencing Homelessness
    • Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
  • Full Education:
    • Not required