A Simple Approach to Knowing the WAC’s: Developing a Parent Handbook

In Washington State, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) oversees child care licensing and supports other early learning programs using both state and federal laws, as well as DEL rules that are created in partnership with parents, child care providers, and others.

The Department of Early Learning's regulations (also known as rules, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC) set the standards for child care that is licensed or certified by DEL. DEL adopts rules (WAC’s) to set licensing requirements when directed by state law to set specific requirements to help clarify more general laws, or help organize requirements that may be set by both state and federal laws.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) uses regulations to oversee:

• Child care licensing
• Performance standards for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
• Subsidy programs that help parents pay for child care

Developing a Parent Handbook

DEL requires that you give parents written policies and that you explain these policies to them. It is best to put all your policies and procedures in a single handout called your "Parent Handbook" or "Parent Information Guide."

Parents need some way to keep all your policies in one place for future reference. A three-ring binder, a pocket folder, or simply stapling them together works well for this purpose.

Note: Some information (like your tuition rate or holiday schedule) changes from year to year. Make sure this information is current on all forms you give to parents. You may want to hand these out as separate pages.

Policies and procedures which you are required to include in your parent handbook are:

• The fee and payment plan
• Enrollment and admission requirements
• Hours of operation
• Typical activity schedule for the various age groups of children in care
• Statement informing parents that they are free to visit any part of your center their child uses without prior notice
• Meals and snacks served at the center (including an example of menu items and guidelines on food brought from the child's home)
• How and where to sign their child in and out each day
• The center's sick child policy, medication policy, how minor injuries and major medical emergencies are taken care of
• The center's behavior management and discipline policies
• Transportation and field trip arrangements
• If caring for infants and toddlers, a description of diapering, toilet training, and feeding procedures
• A description of any religious, holiday, or cultural activities in your program
• A statement of non-discrimination
• Procedures and obligations for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services
• Disaster preparedness plan
• Parent's signature that they have received, read, and understand the parent policies