(1) After submitting to the department a signed outdoor nature-based licensing agreement pursuant to WAC 110-300E-0015, an applicant must submit a complete application to the department to receive an initial license, or be granted a continuation of a full license, to operate an outdoor nature-based program.

(2) Pursuant to RCW 43.216.305, the department must grant or deny a license or continuation of a full license within 90 days of receiving a complete application.

(3) After completing a department orientation an applicant must submit to the department a complete license application packet, pursuant to chapter 43.216 RCW. This requirement also applies to a change of ownership. A complete license application packet includes:

(a) Professional and background information about the applicant:

(i) A completed department application form;

(ii) A copy of the applicant's orientation certificate (orientation must be taken no more than 12 months prior to applying for a license);

(iii) A Washington state business license or a tribal, county, or city business or occupation license, if applicable;

(iv) Liability insurance, if applicable;

(v) A certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement, or similar business organization document, if applicable;

(vi) The license fee;

(vii) A copy of current government issued photo identification;

(viii) A copy of Social Security card or sworn declaration stating that the applicant does not have one;

(ix) Employer identification number (EIN) if applicant plans to hire staff; and

(x) Employment and education verification. For example, diploma, transcripts, or a sworn declaration stating that the applicant cannot verify education requirements.

(b) Information about the program to be licensed:

(i) A site plan, including use of proposed licensed and unlicensed space, with identified emergency exits or emergency exit pathways;

(ii) Certificate of occupancy, if applicable;

(iii) Documentation, no more than three years old, from a licensed inspector, septic designer, or engineer that states the septic system and drain field are maintained and in working order, if applicable;

(iv) E. coli bacteria and nitrate testing results for well water that is no more than 12 months old, if applicable;

(v) A lead or arsenic evaluation agreement for program sites located in the Tacoma smelter plume (counties of King, Pierce, and Thurston) or the Everett smelter plume (county of Snohomish); and

(vi) Lead and copper test results for drinking water, if applicable.

(c) Program days and hours of operation, including closure dates and holiday observances; and

(d) The following information about program staff:

(i) A list of staff members, and if applicable and known, staff persons and volunteers required to complete the background check process as outlined in chapter 110-06 WAC, early learning background checks; and

(ii) A resume for the applicant and each staff person, if applicable.

(e) The following policy documents, which will be reviewed by the department and returned to the applicant:

(i) Parent and program policies;

(ii) Staff policies;

(iii) An emergency preparedness plan; and

(iv) Health policies.

(4) An applicant must submit the completed application packet at least 90 calendar days prior to the planned opening of the outdoor, nature-based program. The department will inspect the program space and all submitted application materials prior to issuing a license.

(a) The 90 calendar days begins when the department receives a complete application packet.

(b) Incomplete application packets will be returned to the applicant for completion.

(c) An applicant who is unable to successfully complete the application and licensing process within 90 days may withdraw the application and reapply when the applicant is able to meet the licensing requirements. If the applicant has completed the steps of the application process within 90 days but an external barrier out of the applicant's control exists, the reapplication fee will be waived one time.

(d) An applicant who is unable to meet the application requirements and has not withdrawn his or her application will be denied a license, pursuant to RCW 43.216.325.