Washington state is an early adopter and leader in Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) child care licensing and programming. ONB programs offer regularly scheduled care for preschool-age children, school-age children, or mixed-age children (preschool and school-age combined), for periods of less than 24 hours a day when children are not attending school. DCYF currently licenses 21 Outdoor Nature-Based programs.
If you are interested in applying for an Outdoor Nature-Based child care license, send an email to dcyf.outdoornaturebasedchildcare@dcyf.wa.gov.
- ONB programs can participate in Early Achievers, ECEAP, and child care subsidy programs (including Working Connections Child Care).
- Tribal programs can participate in ONB programming through an interlocal agreement with DCYF.
- ONB programs are eligible to apply for grants that available to all licensed child care providers
What does an ONB Program Look Like?
View this video that highlights ONB programs across Washington state:
ONB Child Care Orientation
If you are interested in becoming licensed to operate an ONB program, you must attend an orientation. Please note, DCYF is in the final stages of developing an online orientation for interested ONB providers. The expected launch date for this orientation is mid-July/August. Once the online version goes live, the links below will be activated and notice will be posted to this page. In the meantime, email the ONB email inbox at dcyf.outdoornaturebasedchildcare@dcyf.wa.gov. Your name will be added to a list and you will be contacted to attend a virtual ONB orientation.
Step One
If you do not have a Stars ID number, you must register for one in MERIT.
Step Two
Visit the DCYF Online Training Site. You will need to register as a new user if this is your first time accessing the training site.
Step Three
Complete the ONB Child Care Program Orientation on the DCYF Online Training site.
The training site will automatically record your completed training in your MERIT Workforce Registry record, as long as the personal identification information in both systems match. If your completed training is not recorded in your MERIT Professional Record, contact MERIT@dcyf.wa.gov.
Step Four (If Applicable)
If you are interested in applying for an ONB child care license, email the ONB team at dcyf.outdoornaturebasedchildcare@dcyf.wa.gov.
For information on staff qualifications and professional development training, visit the Qualifications & Roles Requirements for ONB providers.