Childcare Center Director / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Childcare Center Director License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Manages childcare facilities providing care for young children.

What the Washington data shows for Childcare Center Directors

To practice as a childcare center director in Washington, the state licensing board requires 97 documented education or training hours, no mandatory state exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Washington's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Education or Training Requirements".

Upfront cost is $167, with renewal running $126 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, childcare center directors should know: Not typically reciprocal.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Education or Training Requirements
97 hours
Exam Requirement
Not Required
Initial License Fee
$167
Renewal Fee
$126
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Childcare Center Director All Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Childcare Center Director in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 97 hours of education or training, and an initial fee of $167. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Childcare Center Director in Washington? ▼
Certification as a childcare center director in Washington means clearing the state's checklist: 97 hours of education. The Washington licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Childcare Center Director license to Washington from another state? ▼
Childcare Center Director licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Not typically reciprocal. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Washington licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Washington require a background check for Childcare Center Director licensing? ▼
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the childcare center director licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Childcare Center Director in Washington? ▼
To stay licensed as a childcare center director in Washington, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $126.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.