A child care facility that demonstrates compliance with health and safety requirements of this chapter but may not be in full compliance with all requirements may be issued an initial license.

(1) An initial license is valid for six months from the date issued.

(2) At the department's discretion, an initial license may be extended for up to three additional six month periods not to exceed a total of two years.

(3) The department must evaluate the program staff's ability to follow all of the rules contained in this chapter during the initial license period.

(4) The department may issue a nonexpiring full license to a licensee operating under an initial license who:

(a) Demonstrates full compliance with the health and safety requirements of this chapter at any time during the period of initial licensure;

(b) Demonstrates substantial compliance with other requirements of this chapter at any time; and

(c) Meets the requirements for a nonexpiring full license as provided in WAC 170-297-1450(1).

(5) The department must deny a nonexpiring full license to a licensee operating under an initial license when the licensee does not demonstrate the ability to comply with all the rules contained in this chapter during the initial licensing period.