Seattle, WA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Operating a home-based daycare in unincorporated King County requires a Washington State Family Home Child Care License issued by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), regulated under WAC 110-300 and related chapters. A licensed Family Home Child Care provider may care for up to 12 children in the provider's home, including the provider's own children under age 5. Staffing ratios vary by age group — generally one caregiver per two infants, or one per six preschool-age children, with an assistant required when more than six children are present. Licensing requires a criminal background check for all household members 16 and older, CPR and first aid certification, 30 hours of pre-service training, annual continuing education, safe sleep practices, approved fenced outdoor play area, working smoke and CO detectors, locked medication and cleaning supply storage, firearms stored locked and separate from ammunition, and annual DCYF home inspection. In unincorporated King County, licensed home child care is a permitted home occupation under KCC 21A.30.080 in residential zones, so no additional conditional use permit is typically required if the license is obtained. Public Health Seattle and King County provides food and sanitation consultations. Providers must register for Washington State B&O tax (child care services currently have specific deductions) and obtain a local King County business license. Unlicensed care of unrelated children is limited by state law to a very small number of families for short durations.