Washington Administrative Code
Title 388 - Social and Health Services, Department of
CHILD CARE AGENCIES/LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Chapter 388-145 - Licensing requirements for group care facilities and services
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND TOYS
Staff Qualifications and Requirements
Section 388-145-1480 - What are the general ratios of staff to children under care?

(1) You must have at least one case manager providing case management services for every twenty-five children in care.

(2) If you provide care as a group receiving center, emergency respite center, or a resource and assessment center, you must have at least one case manager for every fifteen children in care.

(3) If you provide care as a secure, semi-secure and regular crisis residential center, you must have one case manager at a minimum, and must maintain a ratio of one case manager for every 6 children in care.

(4) Staffing ratios specific to your program are outlined in WAC 388-145-1890 through 388-145-2200.

(5) If you have both a license and a contract for services, you must adhere to the most stringent staffing ratios.

(6) To keep the proper ratio of staff to children, the executive director, health care staff, on-site program manager, support staff and maintenance staff may serve temporarily as direct care staff if they meet all other direct care staff qualifications and training.

(7) You must have relief staff so that all staff can have the equivalent of two days off a week. This is not required for family members if you have a staffed residential facility in a family residence.

(8) Children must be supervised during sleeping hours by at least one awake staff when:

(9) Staffing ratios may be higher than the minimum listed if necessary for the health and safety of children and/or staff, or per contract requirement.

(10) You must have one back-up or on-call person available at all times to report to the facility as soon as possible but no later than thirty minutes.