Yakima, WA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Washington child care licensing was consolidated under DCYF in 2018 and is governed by RCW 43.216 (Department of Children, Youth, and Families Act) and WAC 110-300 (Foundational Quality Standards for Early Care and Education). A 'Family Home' early learning program is child care in the provider's residence for 12 or fewer children from birth to age 13. Sub-categories under WAC 110-300: Family Home Provider (licensee operates in own residence), Center, and School-Age Center. Age and ratio limits vary by the children's ages: typical maximum capacity is 6 children under school age (with sub-limits like no more than 2 children under 12 months) plus 4-6 school-age children, with the operator's own children counted in some scenarios. Applicants submit DCYF Form 15-955 (Family Home and Center Child Care License or Certification Application), pass criminal background checks (RCW 43.43.832) on the licensee and all 16+ household members, complete 30 hours STARS basic training plus CPR/first aid, undergo a licensing inspection of the home, and renew annually. Initial licensing fee is $30; annual renewal $30. Inspections are health, safety, and environmental — including water testing, fire safety, outdoor play area, and indoor space per child. DCYF Early Learning offices serving Yakima are reachable at dcyf.welcome@dcyf.wa.gov. On the local Yakima side, YMC 15.04 Table 4-2 lists 'Family Day Care Home' (typically up to 12 children consistent with WAC 110-300) as a permitted accessory use in the SR, R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zones — generally Class 1 (permitted by right) for small in-home daycare consistent with state license, with Class 2 administrative review possible at higher capacities or in commercial-edge zones. YMC 15.04.120 thirteen conditions also apply: the daycare must be incidental and subordinate to the residence, generate no greater traffic than typical residential (drop-off/pick-up windows controlled), produce no off-site noise/nuisance, and store equipment within the dwelling. RCW 35A.63.215 and RCW 35.63.185 preempt local zoning to require Washington cities to permit Family Home child care in any zone that permits single-family residences — Yakima cannot ban Family Day Care Homes from R-1 or SR. Off-street parking for drop-off and staff vehicles must meet YMC Chapter 15.06. Centers above 12 children require a Child Care Center license (not Family Home) and are not permitted as home occupations.