Child Care Licensing for individual? Washington State?

Question

I am a personally nanny who watches children in their home as a full time job. I have been doing this for a few years now. I have a family who is interested in hiring me, but they are on State Pay and need a child care provider who is licensed and registered to receive state pay. The mother has told me that I can register, all I have to do is fill out a background check. I have searched extensivley online and cannot find anything similar to this. The family wants an answer today, and DHSH isnt open until Monday. Has anyone heard of a single person being licensed to receive state pay for childcare?

Answer 1

To my knowledge Washington state does not have a nanny license.  They license childcare centers, but a license is not required to babysit in clients home, only if the child comes to your home.

You would have to call DHSH.  Really the people who are hiring you might have an easier time finding out though, if they call their case-worker and find out what they have to do to hire you, and who you need to call.

You can get a background check from the State Patrol.  It costs $10 or $15.

I would call them and tell them you are willing to fill out whatever forms necessary, but that the offices are closed so you can't do it until Monday.  Then also ask them exactly who to call.