Child Care Health Resource Library

DCYF's Child Care and Early Learning Licensing Guidebook is organized around the seven major WAC sections: 

• Intent and Authority
• Child Outcomes
• Family Engagement and Partnerships
• Professional Development, Training and Requirements
• Environment
• Interactions and Curriculum
• Program Administration and Oversight

The guidebook is translated into multiple languages. 

For questions, email dcyf.communications@dcyf.wa.gov.

June 2025 update: DCYF is reviewing the guidebook.

The Imagine Institute offers trainings for: 

• Licensed family child care providers (FCC)
• Family, friends, and neighbors (FFN)
• Substitute teachers
• Child care center directors and staff

All of the Imagine trainings are Washington state-approved and free. Cash incentives are offered for FCC and FFN providers. Trainings may be offered in Spanish and Somali--contact Imagine for more information.

Training topics include: 

• Anti-racist early childhood education
• Special needs
• STEM
• Strengthening business practices
• Child Care Basics 30-hour training
• CPR / First Aid
• and more

Tip: Webpage can be translated into Spanish

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families presents information about Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which provide comprehensive early learning services to eligible children and families. The webpage includes details on program benefits, eligibility, and how providers can participate or support Head Start initiatives.

NCHBHS designs evidence-based resources and delivers innovative training and technical assistance (TTA) to build the capacity of Head Start and other early childhood programs to:

• Support children’s healthy development and school success
• Promote the safety of children, families, and staff
• Provide culturally and linguistically responsive services
• Address disaster preparedness, response, and recovery  
• Mitigate adversity through trauma-informed care

Child Care Aware of Washington presents access to the training, tools, and resources you need to run your child care business. From coaching to continuing education, scholarships to subsidy reimbursement navigation, we’re here to support providers with the vitally important work you do.

Nourished and Active in Early Learning is a collaboration between the Department of Health and partners to offer trainings, materials and resources that help early learning programs adopt best practices in nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding and media use.

The American Academy of Pediatrics presents a curated selection of school health and child care resources, including books, brochures, and online courses for professionals and families. Topics covered include infectious disease management, chronic health conditions, behavioral challenges, nutrition, and safe practices in early education settings.

The Washington Administrative Code details requirements of licensed early learning programs in Washington State. 

Also linked below are the requirements of license-exempt / family, friend, and neighbor providers participating in the Working Connections Child Care Subsidy Program. 

King County's Child Care Health Program has developed care plan packets for providers to use.

As of August 2025, DCYF has endorsed the care plan packets developed by the King County Child Care Health Program for programs across the state to use. The updated care plans are now co-branded with the PHSKC and DCYF logos, and they satisfy WAC requirements for medical care plans in early learning programs. 

Care plan packets include:

• Allergy Care Plan Packet
• Asthma Care Plan Packet
• Diabetes Care Plan Packet
• Food Intolerance Care Plan Packet
• Seizure Care Plan Packet
• Individual Care Plan Packet

Snohomish County’s Child Care Health Outreach program serves child care providers in Snohomish County and also serves as a coordinator of Child Care Health Consultants in Snohomish County. 

The Child Care Health Outreach team sends out monthly newsletter with evidence-based health and safety information for child care providers and staff. Sign up for Health Alerts and Monthly Newsletters

Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) Partnership Meetings

“For more than 10 years, Snohomish County Health Department and the Child Care Health Outreach Program have convened a meeting for the purposes of sharing