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Open a Licensed Family Child Care Business

While a career educating and caring for children is incredibly rewarding, the process of becoming a licensed family child care provider is often intimidating. Because of this, the Imagine Institute has created Imagine U, a program designed to help individuals as they prepare to open a licensed child care business.

 

Be part of the movement to increase access to warm, supportive, and quality child care to Washington’s children. 

Become a licensed family child care provider!

HOW IT WORKS

Intern Prerequisites

  • Register in the Washington State’s Professional Development Registry “MERIT” to obtain a STARS ID and complete the following:
    • A Portable Background Check
    • The Education Application that meets the DCYF requirement of high school diploma or equivalent
  • Obtain a TB test at your local health department or physician
  • DCYF Licensing Orientation Module 1
  • Complete the Facility Feasibility Checklist
  • Obtain permission from the homeowner or HOA to use the home for a licensed child care business

For priority placement, join the substitute pool and register for orientation and any training you haven’t completed.

Program Requirements

  • Meet and follow all Washington State WAC and RCW for a licensed family child care business
  • Follow all local building code requirements
  • Complete all required pre-service and in-service training to become licensed
  • Complete all milestone assignments in Matrix
  • Work in your mentor’s licensed family child care each month after being accepted
  • Commit to opening a licensed family child care and serving children on subsidy

We'll help you complete all licensing requirements for FREE.

(Applicant must pay for their own TB test, food handlers, PBC/fingerprints)

STILL NEED ASSISTANCE SUBMITTING ALL OF YOUR PREREQUISITES?

WATCH IMAGINE U HOW-TO-VIDEOS

How to log in to Matrix

Video in English

How to log in to Matrix

Video in Spanish

How to log in to Matrix

Video in Somali

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