Clark County, WA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing agency
- WA DCYF (state, not county)
- Rule
- Chapter 110-300 WAC
- Standard capacity
- Up to 12 children
- Waiver capacity
- Up to 16 (from April 1, 2025)
- County role
- Zoning + building/fire code
Summary
Family home child care in Washington is licensed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families under Chapter 110-300 WAC, not Clark County. The department issues family home licenses for up to 12 children, with capacity set by experience, space, and staffing.
The department issues initial or nonexpiring family home licenses for up to 12 children. The department will not issue a family license to care for more children than permitted by the rules in this chapter but may issue a license to care for fewer than the maximum allowable enrolled children.
Full Breakdown
Home daycare is a statewide license through DCYF under Chapter 110-300 WAC; Clark County does not license child care but does apply its home business zoning (CCC 40.260.100) and building/fire codes. Under WAC 110-300-0355, DCYF issues family home licenses for up to 12 children, and starting April 1, 2025 providers may request a capacity waiver for up to 16. Total capacity depends on square footage, provider experience and education, age range, and staffing. All children on the premises, including the provider's own, count toward capacity. Two staff are required when more than six children are in care and any child is under two.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed family home child care above the legal exemption threshold violates state law and is enforced by DCYF; zoning violations are county code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who licenses home daycare in Clark County?
How many children can a family home care for?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington home business overview
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