Bellevue, WA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

In Bellevue, licensed family home child care is allowed as a home occupation under LUC 20.30L but is primarily regulated by Washington State through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) under WAC 110-300. A licensed Family Home Child Care may care for up to 12 children (including the provider's own children under 12) with required staff ratios depending on ages. Providers must complete a background check including fingerprinting, a criminal history check for all adult household members, home health and safety inspections, CPR and first aid certification, STARS training (30 hours initial), and ongoing annual training. Zoning compatibility is required; Bellevue allows licensed family home child care as a permitted home occupation, but unlicensed child care beyond small informal arrangements is prohibited. The home must have adequate indoor and outdoor play space, safe drinking water, working smoke alarms, CO alarms, and fencing for outdoor areas. Fire inspection may be required. Parents must receive a written policy handbook. The provider must comply with all Bellevue home occupation standards (25 percent floor area, no exterior signage, residents-only staffing).