I am a Graduate with an Associate's Degree and I want to...
become a Child Care Center Director and/or Owner

A Child Care Center Director/Owner is responsible for the overall management of the center's facility and operation and ensures that the center follows licensing requirements. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Hiring Requirements:

  • 18 years of age 
  • Early Childhood Credits (based on the number of children licensed):
    • 10 ECE credits (12 or less children)
    • 25 ECE credits (13-24 children)
    • 45 ECE credits (25 or more children)

Training Requirements: 

Need to be completed within 90 days of employment or being licensed. 

  • Completed Child Care Basics
  • Completed all renewable health and safety training
    • First Aid
    • CPR
    • Bloodborne Pathogens 
    • Food Handlers (if serving snack and meals to children)
    • Safe Sleep (if applicable)

Full Education Requirements:

  • State Certificate (within 5 years of hire) or equivalent

Educational Pathways

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