20 Hour Basic Training

The STARS 20-hour basic training requirement must be met within six months of being licensed or hired in a licensed child care program.

Child care programs can choose to enforce further regulations according to program policy. For example, some centers may require that the 20 Hour Basic is complete prior to employment, or within 30 days.

The 20 Hour Basic training does not expire.  It is only necessary to complete the course one time. Each calendar year after initially completing the 20 Hour Basic, child care professionals are required to complete 10 hours of STARS continuing education.

Continuing Education Training

Click Here to View STARS Continuing Education Courses

All child care professionals are required to complete 10 hours of STARS continuing education training every year.

A center director and program supervisor must have five of the ten hours in program management and administration for the first two years in their respective positions. Each additional year, three of the ten hours required must be in program management and administration.

There are many changes coming to licensed child care in Washington State.  If you are interested in more information, click the following link to read The Recommendations from the Professional Development Consortium.

STARS ID numbers are required to record completed STARS training.  Provide us with your STARS ID number on the evaluation form at the end of the training.

Click here to visit MERIT to look up your STARS ID number.

If you are a registered student, and require detailed information on applying for a STARS ID number, click here for more information.