DCYF to launch statewide prelicensing unit Aug. 18 to guide new childcare providers through facility and licensing process

Travis Hanson, senior administrator for childcare needs at DCYF, briefed ELAC on Aug. 5 about a new prelicensing unit that the department will roll out to provide front‑end assistance to prospective childcare providers.

Hanson said the program will expand existing prelicensing activities (previously focused on grant recipients) to any potential provider and will centralize services such as feasibility visits, site reviews, planning support, technical assistance and connections to local subject‑matter experts.

Why it matters: Prospective providers often face complex and costly facility, fire‑marshal, zoning and health requirements that can keep potential capacity out of the system. DCYF designed prelicensing to reduce up‑front barriers and avoid costly missteps later in the licensing and construction process.

What the unit will do - Feasibility and site review: Prelicensing specialists will perform feasibility calls, virtual or in‑person site reviews, and, where appropriate, engage the state fire marshal or local code officials early in the process to assess licensability. - Group and individual technical assistance: DCYF will restore a group orientation and Q&A (previously moved online) and offer follow‑up individual sessions so applicants can get detailed, place‑specific guidance. - Health specialists and toolkit: Health specialists and a compiled resource library (templates, checklists, WAC references) will be available to prospective providers. - Grants and scoring support: Prelicensing staff will continue to assist with facility grant scoring and guidance; they have already supported hundreds of prospective providers in the last 18 months.

Launch and access Hanson said the official launch date for the expanded, statewide prelicensing unit is Aug. 18, 2025. He encouraged providers to contact the DCYF welcome inbox or the prelicensing phone line (details to be posted) to request feasibility visits; DCYF will schedule virtual visits when travel is impractical and said virtual front‑end reviews can increase the number of providers served per staff day.

Limitations and supports Hanson acknowledged resource limits during the pilot and said prelicensing will triage requests: providers who show persistence and readiness are likely to move forward quickly, while casual inquiries may self‑screen out. DCYF said it will continue recruiting bilingual staff and will use interpreters and translated materials when bilingual staff are not available.

Ending: DCYF said it will track where applicants stall in the licensing process and report back to advisory groups; the agency invited ELAC and providers to request progress updates and offered to return with implementation data.