title: RCW 43.216.089

text:
(1) By December 15, 2020, the department, in consultation with the statewide child care resource and referral network, and the early achievers review subcommittee of the early learning advisory council, shall submit, in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, a final report to the governor and the legislature regarding providers' progress in the early achievers program. The report must include the following elements:
(a) The number, and relative percentage, of family child care, outdoor nature-based child care, and center providers who have enrolled in the early achievers program and who have:
(i) Completed the level 2 activities;
(ii) Completed rating readiness consultation and are waiting to be rated;
(iii) Achieved the required rating level to remain eligible for state-funded support under the early childhood education and assistance program or a subsidy under the working connections child care subsidy program;
(iv) Not achieved the required rating level initially but qualified for and are working through intensive targeted support in preparation for a partial rerate outside the standard rating cycle;
(v) Not achieved the required rating level initially and engaged in remedial activities before successfully achieving the required rating level;
(vi) Not achieved the required rating level after completing remedial activities; or
(vii) Received an extension from the department based on exceptional circumstances pursuant to RCW 43.216.085;
(b) A review of the services available to providers and children from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds;
(c) An examination of the effectiveness of efforts to increase successful participation by providers serving children and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and providers who serve children from low-income households;
(d) A description of the primary obstacles and challenges faced by providers who have not achieved the required rating level to remain eligible to receive:
(i) A subsidy under the working connections child care program; or
(ii) State-funded support under the early childhood education and assistance program;
(e) A summary of the types of exceptional circumstances for which the department has granted an extension pursuant to RCW 43.216.085;
(f) The average amount of time required for providers to achieve local level milestones within each level of the early achievers program;
(g) To the extent data is available, an analysis of the distribution of early achievers program-rated facilities in relation to child and provider demographics, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, home language, and geographical location;
(h) Recommendations for improving access for children from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to providers rated at a level 3 or higher in the early achievers program;
(i) Recommendations for improving the early achievers program standards;
(j) An analysis of any impact from quality strengthening efforts on the availability and quality of infant and toddler care;
(k) The number of contracted slots that use both early childhood education and assistance program funding and working connections child care program funding;
(l) An analysis of the impact of increased regulations on the cost of child care; and
(m) A description of the early childhood education and assistance program implementation to include the following:
(i) Progress on early childhood education and assistance program implementation as required pursuant to RCW 43.216.515, 43.216.525, and 43.216.555;
(ii) An examination of the regional distribution of new preschool programming by school district;
(iii) An analysis of the impact of preschool expansion on low-income neighborhoods and communities;
(iv) Recommendations to address any identified barriers to access to quality preschool for children living in low-income neighborhoods;
(v) An analysis of any impact of extended day early care and education opportunities directives;
(vi) An examination of any identified barriers for providers to offer extended day early care and education opportunities;
(vii) An analysis of the demand for full-day programming for early childhood education and assistance program providers required under RCW 43.216.515; and
(viii) To the extent data is available, an analysis of the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of early childhood education and assistance program providers and participants.
(2) The elements required to be reported under subsection (1)(a) of this section must be reported at the county level, and for those counties with a population of five hundred thousand and higher, the data must be reported at the zip code level.
(3) If, based on information in an annual report submitted in 2018 or later under this section, fifteen percent or more of the licensed or contracted providers who are participating in the early achievers program in a county or in a single zip code have not achieved the rating levels under RCW 43.216.135 and 43.216.515, the department must:
(a) Analyze the reasons providers in the affected counties or zip codes have not attained the required rating levels; and
(b) Develop a plan to mitigate the effect on the children and families served by these providers. The plan must be submitted to the legislature as part of the final report described in subsection (1) of this section along with any recommendations for legislative action to address the needs of the providers and the children and families they serve.
(4)(a) Beginning December 1, 2020, the department, in collaboration with the statewide child care resource and referral network, shall make available on its public website, in a consumer-friendly format, the following elements:
(i) The number, and relative percentage, of family child care and center child care providers who have enrolled in the early achievers program and who have:
(A) Submitted their request for on-site evaluation and are waiting to be rated; and
(B) Achieved the required rating level to remain eligible for state-funded support under the early childhood education and assistance program or a subsidy under the working connections child care subsidy program;
(ii) The distribution of early childhood education and assistance program programming by school district; and
(iii) Indicators of supply and demand at the local level, as well as identification of regions or areas in which there are insufficient numbers of child care facilities using nationally developed methodology.
(b) The elements required to be made available under (a)(i) of this subsection (4) must be made available at the county level, and for those counties with a population of five hundred thousand and higher, the data must be reported at the zip code level.
(c) To the extent data are available, the elements required to be reported under (a)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection (4) must be updated at a minimum of a quarterly basis on the department's public website.
(d) If in any individual state fiscal year, based on information reported in (a)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection (4), fifteen percent or more of the licensed or contracted providers who are participating in the early achievers program in a county or in a single zip code have not achieved the rating levels required under RCW 43.216.135 and 43.216.515, the department must:
(i) Analyze the reasons providers in the affected counties or zip codes have not attained the required rating levels; and
(ii) Develop a plan to mitigate the effect on the children and families served by these providers. The plan must be submitted to the legislature by November 1st of the year following the state fiscal year in question, along with any recommendations for legislative action to address the needs of the providers and the children and families they serve.
(5) Beginning September 15, 2021, and each odd-numbered year thereafter, the department shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature outlining the availability and quality of services available to early learning providers and children from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and from low-income neighborhoods and communities. The report must include the following elements:
(a) To the extent data is available, an analysis of the racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of early childhood education and assistance program providers and participants, and the providers and participants of working connections child care;
(b) A review of the services available to providers and children from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds;
(c) An examination of the effectiveness of efforts to increase and maintain successful participation by providers serving children and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds and providers who serve children from low-income households;
(d) To the extent data is available, the distribution of early achievers program-rated facilities by child and provider demographics, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, home language, and geographical location;
(e) Recommendations for improving and maintaining access for children from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to providers rated at a level 3 or higher in the early achievers program;
(f) Recommendations to address any identified barriers to access to high quality preschool for children living in low-income neighborhoods;
(g) An examination of expulsion rates of children from diverse racial, ethnic, and diverse cultural backgrounds and from low-income neighborhoods and communities; and
(h) An analysis of how early learning providers and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and from low-income neighborhoods and communities have influenced or participated in the department's early learning plans and implementation strategies.
(6) Beginning September 15, 2022, and each even-numbered year thereafter, the department shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature on the availability of supports to providers and their effectiveness at improving quality. The report must include the following elements:
(a) An analysis of the effectiveness of recruitment efforts for new and returning high quality early learning providers and programs;
(b) An analysis of the effectiveness of quality improvement tools and incentives on the retention and quality improvement of early learning professionals;
(c) An analysis of the supply of high quality subsidized early learning. This analysis must include:
(i) An examination of the trend in supply of early learning providers and workers;
(ii) A description of the primary obstacles and challenges faced by providers who have not achieved the required early achievers rating level to remain eligible to receive a subsidy under the working connections child care program or state-funded support under the early childhood education and assistance program;
(iii) The number, and relative percentage, of family child care and center providers who have enrolled in the early achievers program and who have:
(A) Not achieved the required rating level initially but qualified for and are working through intensive targeted support in preparation for a partial rerate outside the standard rating cycle;
(B) Not achieved the required rating level initially and engaged in remedial activities before successfully achieving the required rating level;
(C) Not achieved the required rating level after completing remedial activities; or
(D) Received an extension from the department based on exceptional circumstances pursuant to RCW 43.216.085; and
(iv) Recommendations for improving retention and reducing barriers to entry for early learning providers;
(d) The average amount of time required for providers to achieve local level milestones within each level of the early achievers program;
(e) A summary of the types of exceptional circumstances for which the department has granted an extension to early achievers rating milestones pursuant to RCW 43.216.085;
(f) An analysis of the availability and quality of infant and toddler care; and
(g) An examination of any identified barriers that discourage providers from offering extended day early care and education opportunities.
(7) The information to be disclosed or shared under this section must not include sensitive personal information of in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations as defined in RCW 42.56.640, and must not include any other information protected from disclosure under state or federal law.
[ 2021 c 304 s 8; 2020 c 262 s 3; 2019 c 369 s 13; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 18. Formerly RCW 43.215.102.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 369: See note following RCW 43.216.091.
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.

catchline: Early achievers program—Final report—Mitigation plan for areas not achieving required rating levels—Data availability—Reports.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.216.090

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer or contract for infant and early childhood mental health consultation services to child care providers and early learning providers participating in the early achievers program.
(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must have or contract for one infant and early childhood mental health consultation coordinator and must enter into a contractual agreement with an organization providing coaching services to early achievers program participants to hire at least 12 qualified infant and early childhood mental health consultants. The department shall determine, in collaboration with the statewide child care resource and referral network, where the additional consultants should be sited based on factors such as the total provider numbers overlaid with indicators of highest need. The infant and early childhood mental health consultants must support early achievers program coaches and child care providers by providing resources, information, and guidance regarding challenging behavior and expulsions and may travel to assist providers in serving families and children with severe behavioral needs.
(3) The department shall provide, or contract with an entity to provide, reflective supervision and professional development for infant and early childhood mental health consultants to meet national competency standards.
(4) As capacity allows, the department may provide access to infant and early childhood mental health consultation services to caregivers and licensed or certified, military, and tribal early learning providers, license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor care providers, and families with children expelled or at risk of expulsion from child care.
[ 2025 c 412 s 10; 2021 c 199 s 309; 2019 c 360 s 7.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2025 c 412: See notes following RCW 43.216.556.
Effective date—2021 c 199 ss 201, 202, 301, 309, and 504: See note following RCW 43.216.802.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 360: See note following RCW 74.09.4951.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Early achievers program—Mental health consultants.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.216.091

text:
The department must adopt administrative policies in the early achievers program, within the department's appropriations, to:
(1) Consider child care provider schedules and needs and allow flexibility when scheduling data collection and rating visits at a facility;
(2) Prioritize reratings for providers rated at a level 2;
(3) Prioritize reratings for providers rated at a level 3 who are seeking to become early childhood education and assistance program providers; and
(4) Provide continuous and robust postrating feedback to providers.
[ 2019 c 369 s 8.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 369: "(1) The legislature finds that a commitment to early learning quality was established through the passage of the early start act and creation of the early achievers program. The legislature recognizes that achieving the desired child outcomes from high quality early learning and child care requires additional financial support, including the payment of living wages to providers, and that the success of the early achievers system must continue to be supported through adequate funding. Further, the legislature finds that the federal administration of children and families advises states to set child care subsidy rates at the seventy-fifth percentile of private market rates in order to ensure equal access to high quality child care. The legislature further finds that objectives of the early achievers program include providing professional development and robust training and coaching opportunities that are available in geographically diverse areas to child care and early education providers who are often small business owners and as such play a critical role in our state's economy.
(2) The legislature further finds that the department of children, youth, and families has undertaken efforts to identify professional equivalencies for early learning providers that recognize the commitment and years of experience that much of the workforce demonstrates.
(3) Therefore, as recommended by the joint select committee on the early achievers program, the legislature intends to work toward raising base subsidy rates for licensed child care centers and family homes and further incentivize the provision of care for infants and toddlers by considering rates for providers serving these young children. Further, the legislature intends to look to increase needs-based grants, scholarships, and professional development assistance, as well as reduce early achievers coaching ratios, in order to support providers in continuous improvement. The legislature further intends to support the work of the department of children, youth, and families' professional equivalencies committee and the department's development of the proficiency review process." [ 2019 c 369 s 1.]

catchline: Early achievers program—Administrative policies—Rating and rerating.


title: RCW 43.216.092

text:
Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must adopt administrative policies in the early achievers program to:
(1) Eliminate rating scale barriers, to the extent possible, within the assessment tools and data collection methodologies used in the early achievers program and weight early achievers points to incentivize providers to serve infants and toddlers;
(2) Remove barriers to timely approvals for one-on-one behavioral support assistants when requested by a provider; and
(3) Require trauma-informed care training for raters and coaches.
[ 2019 c 369 s 9.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 369: See note following RCW 43.216.091.

catchline: Early achievers program—Administrative policies—Various.


title: RCW 43.216.100

text:
The department, in collaboration with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall create a community information and involvement plan to inform home-based, tribal, and family early learning providers of the early achievers program under RCW 43.216.085.
[ 2019 c 369 s 14; 2016 c 72 s 701. Formerly RCW 43.215.103.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 369: See note following RCW 43.216.091.
Finding—Intent—2016 c 72: See note following RCW 28A.600.015.

catchline: Community information and involvement plan—Informing home-based, tribal, and family early learning providers of early achievers program.


title: RCW 43.216.105

text:
(1) The department of children, youth, and families must work with community partners to support outreach and education for parents and families around the benefits of native language development and retention, as well as the benefits of dual language learning. Native language means the language normally used by an individual or, in the case of a child or youth, the language normally used by the parents or family of the child or youth. Dual language learning means learning in two languages, generally English and a target language other than English spoken in the local community, for example Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Arabic, native languages, or indigenous languages where the goal is bilingualism.
(2) Within existing resources, the department must create training and professional development resources on dual language learning, such as supporting English learners, working in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, strategies for family engagement, and cultural responsiveness. The department must design the training modules to be culturally responsive.
(3) Within existing resources, the department must support dual language learning communities for teachers and coaches.
(4) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2018 c 58 s 44; 2017 c 236 s 5. Formerly RCW 43.215.104.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Findings—Intent—2017 c 236: See note following RCW 28A.180.120.

catchline: Native language development and retention—Dual language learning—Rules.


title: RCW 43.216.110

text:
By December 31, 2012, the department shall adopt core competencies for early care and education professionals and child and youth development professionals and develop an implementation plan. The department shall incorporate the core competencies into all appropriate professional development opportunities including, but not limited to, the quality rating and improvement system, the early childhood education and assistance program, child care licensing, and the early support for infants and toddlers program. The purpose of the core competencies is to serve as a foundation for what early care and education professionals and child and youth development professionals need to know and do to provide quality care for children. The core competencies must be reviewed and updated every five years.
[ 2012 c 149 s 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.105.]
Notes:
Findings—2012 c 149: "The legislature finds that adopting statewide core competencies for early care and education professionals and child and youth development professionals is important because the competencies:
(1) Define what early care and education professionals and child and youth development professionals need to know and be able to do to provide quality care and education for children;
(2) Serve as the foundation for decisions and practices carried out by professionals in all early care and education settings and school-age child care settings;
(3) Establish a set of standards for early care and education professionals and child and youth development professionals that support the professionalism for the field;
(4) Are an integral part of a comprehensive professional development system; and
(5) Recognize existing standards met by nationally chartered nonprofit youth development agencies providing facility-based after school services for school-age children as relevant and sufficient standards." [ 2012 c 149 s 1.]

catchline: Core competencies for early care and education professionals and child and youth development professionals—Adoption and implementation—Updating.


title: RCW 43.216.115

text:
(1) In order to meet its partnership responsibilities, the department shall:
(a) Work collaboratively with the nongovernmental private-public partnership; and
(b) Actively seek public and private money for distribution as grants to the nongovernmental private-public partnership.
(2) In order to meet its partnership responsibilities, the nongovernmental private-public partnership shall:
(a) Work with and complement existing statewide efforts by enhancing parent resources and support, child care, preschool, and other early learning environments;
(b) Accept and expend funds to be used for quality improvement initiatives, including but not limited to parent resources and support, and support the alignment of existing funding streams and coordination of efforts across sectors;
(c) In conjunction with the department, provide leadership to early learning private-public partnerships forming in communities across the state. These local partnerships shall be encouraged to seek local funding and develop strategies to improve coordination and exchange information between the community, early care and education programs, and the K-12 system; and
(d) Assist the statewide movement to high quality early learning and the support of parents as a child's first and best teacher.
[ 2007 c 394 s 6. Formerly RCW 43.215.110.]
Notes:
Finding—Declaration—Captions not law—2007 c 394: See notes following RCW 43.216.010.

catchline: Partnership responsibilities—Department's duties—Partnership's duties.


title: RCW 43.216.120

text:
To the greatest extent possible, the department must reduce barriers and increase efficiency for using local or private funds, or both, to provide more high quality early learning opportunities.
[ 2017 c 178 s 3. Formerly RCW 43.215.112.]
Notes:
Intent—2017 c 178: See note following RCW 43.216.080.

catchline: Reduction of barriers for using local or private funds for early learning opportunities.


title: RCW 43.216.125

text:
The department and an agency must, at the first opportunity but in all cases within forty-eight hours of receiving a report alleging sexual misconduct or abuse by an agency employee, notify the parents or guardian of a child alleged to be the victim, target, or recipient of the misconduct or abuse. The department and an agency shall provide parents annually with information regarding their rights under the public records act, chapter 42.56 RCW, to request the public records regarding the employee.
[ 2007 c 415 s 8. Formerly RCW 43.215.120.]

catchline: Parental notification of report alleging sexual misconduct or abuse—Notice of parental rights.


title: RCW 43.216.130

text:
(1)(a) The home visiting services account is created in the state treasury. Revenues to the account shall consist of appropriations by the legislature and all other sources deposited in the account. All federal funds received by the department for home visiting activities must be deposited into the account.
(b)(i) Expenditures from the account shall be used for state matching funds for the purposes of the program established in this section and federally funded activities for the home visiting program, including administrative expenses.
(ii) The department oversees the account and is the lead state agency for home visiting system development. The nongovernmental private-public partnership supports the home visiting service delivery system and provides support functions to funded programs.
(iii) It is the intent of the legislature that state funds invested in the account be matched by the private-public partnership each fiscal year.
(iv) Amounts used for program administration by the department may not exceed an average of ten percent in any two consecutive fiscal years.
(v) Authorizations for expenditures may be given only after private funds are committed. The nongovernmental private-public partnership must report to the department quarterly to demonstrate investment of private match funds.
(c) Expenditures from the account are subject to appropriation and the allotment provisions of chapter 43.88 RCW.
(2) The department must expend moneys from the account to provide state matching funds for partnership activities to implement home visiting services and administer the infrastructure necessary to develop, support, and evaluate evidence-based, research-based, and promising home visiting programs.
(3) Activities eligible for funding through the account include, but are not limited to:
(a) Home visiting services that achieve one or more of the following: (i) Enhancing child development and well-being by alleviating the effects on child development of poverty and other known risk factors; (ii) reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect; or (iii) promoting school readiness for young children and their families; and
(b) Development and maintenance of the infrastructure for home visiting programs, including training, quality improvement, and evaluation.
(4) Beginning July 1, 2010, the department shall contract with the nongovernmental private-public partnership designated in *RCW 43.215.070 to support programs funded through the home visiting services account. The department shall monitor performance and provide periodic reports on the uses and outcomes of the home visiting services account.
(5) The department shall, in the administration of the programs:
(a) Fund programs through a competitive bid process or in compliance with the regulations of the funding source; and
(b) Convene an advisory committee of early learning and home visiting experts, including one representative from the department, to advise the partnership regarding research and the distribution of funds from the account to eligible programs.
[ 2017 c 171 s 2; 2013 c 165 s 1; 2010 1st sp.s. c 37 s 933. Formerly RCW 43.215.130.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.070 was recodified as RCW 43.216.065 pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 37: See note following RCW 13.06.050.

catchline: Home visiting services account—Purpose—Administration—Funding.


title: RCW 43.216.135

text:
(1) Existing child care providers serving nonschool-age children and receiving state subsidy payments must complete the following requirements to be eligible for a state subsidy under this section:
(a) Enroll in the early achievers program by August 1, 2016;
(b) Complete level 2 activities in the early achievers program by August 1, 2017; and
(c) Rate or request to be rated at a level 3 or higher in the early achievers program by December 31, 2019. If a child care provider does not rate at or request to be rated at a level 3 by December 31, 2019, the provider must complete remedial activities with the department, and must rate at or request to be rated at a level 3 or higher no later than December 30, 2020.
(2) A new child care provider serving nonschool-age children and receiving state subsidy payments must complete the following activities to be eligible to receive a state subsidy under this section:
(a) Enroll in the early achievers program within 30 days of receiving the initial state subsidy payment;
(b) Complete level 2 activities in the early achievers program within 12 months of enrollment; and
(c) Rate or request to be rated at a level 3 or higher in the early achievers program within 30 months of enrollment. If a child care provider does not rate or request to be rated at a level 3 within thirty months from enrollment into the early achievers program, the provider must complete remedial activities with the department, and rate or request to be rated at a level 3 or higher within 12 months of beginning remedial activities.
(3) If a child care provider does not rate or request to be rated at a level 3 or higher following the remedial period, the provider is no longer eligible to receive state subsidy under this section. If a child care provider does not rate at a level 3 or higher when the rating is released following the remedial period, the provider is no longer eligible to receive state subsidy under this section.
(4) If a child care provider serving nonschool-age children and receiving state subsidy payments has successfully completed all level 2 activities and is waiting to be rated by the deadline provided in this section, the provider may continue to receive a state subsidy pending the successful completion of the level 3 rating activity.
(5) The department shall implement tiered reimbursement for early achievers program participants in the working connections child care program rating at level 3, 4, or 5.
(6) The department shall account for a child care copayment collected by the provider from the family for each contracted slot.
[ 2023 c 222 s 5. Prior: 2020 c 355 s 2; 2020 c 321 s 2; 2020 c 279 s 1; prior: 2019 c 406 s 70; 2019 c 369 s 4; 2019 c 97 s 2; 2018 c 52 s 6; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 9 s 2; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 6; 2013 c 323 s 9; prior: 2012 c 253 s 5; 2012 c 251 s 1; 2011 1st sp.s. c 42 s 11; 2010 c 273 s 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.135.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 222: See note following RCW 43.216.800.
Findings—Intent—2020 c 355: "The legislature finds that the federal child care and development block grant act of 2014 reauthorized the child care and development fund program and established a minimum twelve-month eligibility period for subsidized child care in order to provide families with more stability and to support the continuity of care between children and providers. The legislature further finds that the state's policy of authorizing twelve months of uninterrupted care was affirmed by the passage of the state's early start act in 2015. However, some families are not able to access child care right away through the working connections child care program due to factors beyond their control. These barriers to care include challenges with access to child care in rural areas, declining numbers of providers accepting state subsidy, and the persistence of child care deserts in which either no child care providers are in operation or there are so few options for child care that the demand outweighs available slots. Therefore, the legislature intends to clarify the state's policy that all eligible children may receive at least a full twelve months of working connections child care." [ 2020 c 355 s 1.]
Effective date—2020 c 355: "This act takes effect January 1, 2021." [ 2020 c 355 s 5.]
Effective date—2020 c 279: See note following RCW 43.216.800.
Contingent effective date—2019 c 406 s 70: "Section 70 of this act takes effect only if chapter 97, Laws of 2019 is enacted by July 28, 2019." [ 2019 c 406 s 78.]
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: "(1) The legislature recognizes the following:
(a) In Washington, over forty-six thousand community and technical college students, which represents twenty-three percent of all community and technical college students in the state, are parents of dependent children. Student parents represent more than one-quarter of community and technical college students in Washington who receive financial aid. Financial assistance[,] however, does not sufficiently cover many student parents' college expenses.
(b) Caregiving demands affect student parents' ability to devote the time needed to succeed in school. Nearly three-quarters of women community college students living with dependents report spending over twenty hours per week caring for dependents. Many of these students report that care demands are likely to lead them to drop out: Forty-three percent of women and thirty-seven percent of men at two-year institutions who live with children say they are likely or very likely to withdraw from college to care for dependents.
(c) In addition, child care costs represent a large financial burden for parents who are in college. The annual cost of full-time, center-based infant care averages over thirteen thousand dollars in Washington. Given the financial pressures experienced by student parents, both married and single, assistance with paying for quality child care services could dramatically improve their ability to make ends meet and complete their higher education programs.
(d) Work requirements imposed on student parents as a condition for receiving child care assistance can have negative consequences for parents in education or job training. Students working more than fifteen hours per week achieve significantly lower college attainment compared with those who work fewer hours. Nationally, fifty-eight percent of community college student parents who work fifteen or more hours per week leave school without earning a credential within six years of enrollment, compared with forty-eight percent who work less than fifteen hours per week.
(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to improve access and completion rates of student parents enrolled in community and technical colleges by reducing existing restrictions to subsidized child care." [ 2019 c 406 s 69.]
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.79.195.
Findings—Short title—2019 c 406: See notes following RCW 28B.92.200.
Findings—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28B.94.020.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28C.30.050.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 369: See note following RCW 43.216.091.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 97: "(1) The legislature recognizes the following:
(a) In Washington, over forty-six thousand community and technical college (CTC) students, which represents twenty-three percent of all CTC students in the state, are parents of dependent children. Student parents represent more than one-quarter of CTC students in Washington who receive financial aid. Financial assistance however, does not sufficiently cover many student parents' college expenses.
(b) Caregiving demands affect student parents' ability to devote the time needed to succeed in school. Nearly three-quarters of women community college students living with dependents report spending over twenty hours per week caring for dependents. Many of these students report that care demands are likely to lead them to drop out: Forty-three percent of women and thirty-seven percent of men at two-year institutions who live with children say they are likely or very likely to withdraw from college to care for dependents.
(c) In addition, child care costs represent a large financial burden for parents who are in college. The annual cost of full-time, center-based infant care averages over thirteen thousand dollars in Washington. Given the financial pressures experienced by student parents, both married and single, assistance with paying for quality child care services could dramatically improve their ability to make ends meet and complete their higher education programs.
(d) Work requirements imposed on student parents as a condition for receiving child care assistance can have negative consequences for parents in education or job training. Students working more than fifteen hours per week achieve significantly lower college attainment compared with those who work fewer hours. Nationally, fifty-eight percent of community college student parents who work fifteen or more hours per week leave school without earning a credential within six years of enrollment, compared with forty-eight percent who work less than fifteen hours per week.
(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to improve access and completion rates of student parents enrolled in community and technical colleges by reducing existing restrictions to subsidized child care." [ 2019 c 97 s 1.]
Effective date—Intent—Finding—2018 c 52: See notes following RCW 43.216.909.
Findings—Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 9: "The legislature finds that children with the greatest needs benefit significantly from child care programs that promote stability, quality, and continuity of care. The legislature recognizes that empirical evidence supports the conclusion that high quality child care programs consistently yield more positive outcomes for children, with the strongest positive impacts on the most vulnerable children.
Children in the child welfare system are some of the most vulnerable children. The legislature finds that a child who experiences child abuse or neglect is over four times more likely to abuse substances as an adult and forty-three percent of youth in the juvenile justice system were involved in the child welfare system.
The legislature finds that the child care and development block grant act of 2014 allows the *department of early learning to provide working connections child care to children in need of, or receiving, protective services. The legislature further understands that as of July 1, 2016, authorizations for the working connections child care subsidy are effective for twelve months.
The legislature finds that the children's mental health work group, in its December 2016 final report, recommended that state agencies provide at least twelve months of stable child care through the working connections child care program for certain children involved in the child welfare system, regardless of the employment status of their parents or guardians. Many of these child welfare-involved families are addressing chemical dependency issues, which require a significant amount of time to overcome. For these reasons, the legislature intends to allow certain populations of vulnerable children to be eligible for the working connections child care subsidy for a minimum of twelve months." [ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 9 s 1.]
*Reviser's note: The department of early learning was abolished and its powers, duties, and functions were transferred to the department of children, youth, and families by 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 802, effective July 1, 2018.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 9: "This act takes effect December 1, 2018." [ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 9 s 3.]
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.
Findings—Purpose—2012 c 253: See note following RCW 74.08.580.
Effective date—2012 c 251: "This act takes effect July 1, 2012." [ 2012 c 251 s 3.]
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 42: See notes following RCW 74.08A.260.
Finding—2011 1st sp.s. c 42: See note following RCW 74.04.004.
Intent—2010 c 273: "It is the intent of the legislature that this act be implemented within the funding appropriated in the 2009-11 biennial budget. No additional appropriations will be provided for its implementation." [ 2010 c 273 s 7.]

catchline: Child care providers—Subsidy requirements—Tiered reimbursements—Copayments.


title: RCW 43.216.152

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Community-based early learning providers" includes for-profit and nonprofit licensed providers of child care and preschool programs.
(2) "Program" means the program of early learning established in RCW 43.216.555 for eligible children who are three and four years of age.
[ 2025 c 58 s 2025; 2010 c 231 s 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.140.]
Notes:
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 43.216.155

text:
The legislature finds that:
(1) The years from birth to three are critical in building the social, emotional, and cognitive developmental foundations of a young child. Research into the brain development of young children reveals that children are born learning.
(2) The farther behind children are in their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, the more difficult it will be for them to catch up.
(3) A significant number of children age birth to five years are born with two or more of the following risk factors and have a greater chance of failure in school and beyond: Poverty; single or no parent; no parent employed full time or full year; all parents with disability; and mother without a high school degree.
(4) Parents and children involved in home visitation programs exhibit better birth outcomes, enhanced parent and child interactions, more efficient use of health care services, enhanced child development including improved school readiness, and early detection of developmental delays, as well as reduced welfare dependence, higher rates of school completion and job retention, reduction in frequency and severity of maltreatment, and higher rates of school graduation.
The legislature intends to promote the use of voluntary home visitation services to families as an early intervention strategy to alleviate the effect on child development of factors such as poverty, single parenthood, parental unemployment or underemployment, parental disability, or parental lack of a high school diploma, which research shows are risk factors for child abuse and neglect and poor educational outcomes.
[ 2007 c 466 s 1. Formerly RCW 43.215.145, 43.121.170.]


title: RCW 43.216.157

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this section and RCW * 43.215.145, * 43.215.147, and ** 43.121.185 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Evidence-based" means a program or practice that has had multiple site random controlled trials across heterogeneous populations demonstrating that the program or practice is effective for the population.
(2) "Home visitation" means providing services in the permanent or temporary residence, or in other familiar surroundings, of the family receiving such services.
(3) "Research-based" means a program or practice that has some research demonstrating effectiveness, but that does not yet meet the standard of evidence-based practices.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 32 s 6; 2007 c 466 s 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.146, 43.121.175.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 43.215.145 and 43.215.147 were recodified as RCW 43.216.155 and 43.216.159, respectively, pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.
**(2) RCW 43.121.185 was repealed by 2011 1st sp.s. c 32 s 12, effective June 30, 2012.
Transition plan—Report to the legislature—2011 1st sp.s. c 32: See note following RCW 70.305.005.

catchline: Home visitation programs—Definitions.


title: RCW 43.216.159

text:
(1) Within available funds, the department shall fund evidence-based and research-based home visitation programs for improving parenting skills and outcomes for children. Home visitation programs must be voluntary and must address the needs of families to alleviate the effect on child development of factors such as poverty, single parenthood, parental unemployment or underemployment, parental disability, or parental lack of high school diploma, which research shows are risk factors for child abuse and neglect and poor educational outcomes. In order to maximize opportunities to obtain matching funds from private entities, general funds intended to support home visiting funding shall be appropriated to the home visiting services account established in *RCW 43.215.130.
(2) The department shall work with the department of social and health services, the department of health, the private-public partnership created in *RCW 43.215.070, and key partners and stakeholders to develop a plan to coordinate or consolidate home visitation services for children and families to the extent practicable.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 32 s 7; 2008 c 152 s 6; 2007 c 466 s 3. Formerly RCW 43.215.147, 43.121.180.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.130 and 43.215.070 were recodified as RCW 43.216.130 and 43.216.065, respectively, pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.
Transition plan—Report to the legislature—2011 1st sp.s. c 32: See note following RCW 70.305.005.
Findings—Intent—2008 c 152: See note following RCW 13.34.136.

catchline: Home visitation programs—Funding—Home visitation services coordination or consolidation plan.


title: RCW 43.216.162

text:
(1) Home visiting established by RCW 43.216.130 has been shown to enhance child development and well-being by reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect, promoting connection to community-based supports, and increasing school readiness for young children and their families.
(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall enter into targeted contracts with existing home visiting programs established by RCW 43.216.130 in locales with the historically highest rates of child welfare screened-in intake to serve families.
(3) Targeted contracted home visiting slots for families experiencing high-potency synthetic opioid-related substance use disorder promotes expedited access to supports that enhance strengthened parenting skills and allows home visiting providers to have predictable funding. Any targeted contracted slots the department creates under this section must meet the requirements as provided for in chapter 328, Laws of 2024.
(4) Only existing home visiting providers are eligible to be awarded targeted contracted slots. The targeted contracted slots are reserved for programs in locales with the historically highest rates of child welfare screened-in intakes.
(5) The department shall provide training specific to substance use disorders for the home visiting providers selected for this program.
(6) Families referred to home visiting services via the process established in subsection (8) of this section must be contacted by the contracted program within seven days of referral.
(7) The department shall award the contracted slots via a competitive process. The department shall pay providers for each targeted contracted slot using the rate provided to existing home visiting providers.
(8) Eligible families shall be referred to the targeted contracted slots through a referral process developed by the department. The referral process shall include referrals from the department's child welfare staff as well as community organizations working with families meeting the criteria established in subsection (9) of this section.
(9) Priority for targeted contracted home visiting slots shall be given to:
(a) Families with child protective services open cases;
(b) Families with family assessment response open cases; and
(c) Families with family voluntary services open cases.
[ 2024 c 328 s 202.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2024 c 328: See note following RCW 13.34.050.

catchline: Home visitation—High-potency synthetic opioids substance use disorder.


title: RCW 43.216.165

text:
(1) The early start account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. Revenues in the account shall consist of appropriations by the legislature and all other sources deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes listed in RCW 43.216.080. All receipts from local governments, school districts, institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, and nonprofit organizations must be deposited into the account.
(2) The department oversees the account. Only the secretary or the secretary's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
(3) The department shall separately track funds received for each local government, school district, institution of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, or nonprofit organization that deposits funds into the account. Expenditures from these funds may be used only for the purposes listed in RCW 43.216.080 as identified in writing with the department by the contributing local government, school district, institution of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, or nonprofit organization.
[ 2018 c 58 s 68; 2017 c 178 s 5; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 17. Formerly RCW 43.215.195.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Intent—2017 c 178: See note following RCW 43.216.080.
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.

catchline: Early start account.


title: RCW 43.216.170

text:
(1) The secretary shall investigate the conviction records, pending charges, and disciplinary board final decisions of any current employee or applicant seeking or being considered for any position with the department who will or may have unsupervised access to children. This includes, but is not limited to, positions conducting comprehensive assessments, financial eligibility determinations, licensing and certification activities, investigations, surveys, or case management; or for state positions otherwise required by federal law to meet employment standards.
(2) The secretary shall require a fingerprint-based background check through both the Washington state patrol and the federal bureau of investigation as provided in RCW 43.43.837. Unless otherwise authorized by law, the secretary shall use the information solely for the purpose of determining the character, suitability, and competence of the applicant.
(3) Criminal justice agencies shall provide the secretary such information as they may have and that the secretary may require for such purpose.
(4) Any person whose criminal history would otherwise disqualify the person under this section from a position that will or may have unsupervised access to children shall not be disqualified if the department of social and health services reviewed the person's otherwise disqualifying criminal history through the department of social and health services' background assessment review team process conducted in 2002 and determined that such person could remain in a position covered by this section, or if the otherwise disqualifying conviction or disposition has been the subject of a pardon, annulment, or other equivalent procedure.
[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 801.]
Notes:
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 ss 102, 104-115, 201-227, 301-337, 401-419, 501-513, 801-803, and 805-822: See note following RCW 43.216.025.

catchline: Applicants for positions with the department—Investigation and background checks.


title: RCW 43.216.180

text:
(1) The department shall meet regularly with the school districts that educate students who are in the custody of medium and maximum security facilities operated by juvenile rehabilitation to help coordinate activities in areas of common interest, such as communication with parents. The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall facilitate upon request of the department.
(2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the department, shall create a comprehensive plan for the education of students in juvenile rehabilitation and provide it to the governor and relevant committees of the legislature by September 1, 2020.
[ 2019 c 322 s 7.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 322: See note following RCW 72.01.410.

catchline: Education of students in the custody of juvenile rehabilitation facilities—Duties—Creation of a comprehensive plan.


title: RCW 43.216.190

text:
The department shall assist licensed or contracted providers in following the process established under RCW 46.20.036 for providers submitting Washington state identicard application materials for individuals qualifying for a Washington state identicard under RCW 46.20.117(1)(c)(ii).
[ 2020 c 124 s 1.]

catchline: Assistance with submission of Washington state identicard application materials.


title: RCW 43.216.195

text:
When the secretary elects to engage in negotiated rule making pursuant to RCW 34.05.310(2)(a), the department must include the largest organization representing child care center owners and directors; the largest organization representing supervisors, teachers, and aides; and other affected interests before adopting requirements that affect child care center licensees.
[ 2021 c 199 s 312.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Child care centers—Negotiated rule making.


title: RCW 43.216.200

text:
(1) The following definitions apply to this section:
(a) "Eligible children" means children from birth to age five;
(b) "National nonprofit foundation" means a national nonprofit foundation that exists for the purpose of working with local entities to identify eligible children and mail age-appropriate, high quality books each month to those children at no cost to families; and
(c) "Program" means the imagination library of Washington program created under subsection (2) of this section.
(2) Subject to the amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department, in coordination with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall select a Washington state-based qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization physically located in Washington state to create and operate the program. The nonprofit organization selected under this subsection shall:
(a) Manage the daily operations of the program;
(b) Establish affiliate programs across the state;
(c) Advance and strengthen the affiliate programs with the goal of increasing enrollment in those programs;
(d) Develop, promote, and coordinate a public awareness campaign to make donors aware of the opportunity to donate to affiliate programs and make the public aware of the opportunity to register eligible children to receive books through the program; and
(e) Contract with a national nonprofit foundation to provide age-appropriate, high quality books each month to eligible children at no cost to families.
(3)(a) By November 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the nonprofit organization selected to operate the program under subsection (2) of this section shall submit a report to the relevant committees of the legislature and the governor describing:
(i) The number of affiliate programs established by the program;
(ii) The number of children enrolled in each affiliate program; and
(iii) The number of children statewide enrolled in the program.
(b) The report in this subsection must be submitted in compliance with RCW 43.01.036.
(4)(a) The nonprofit organization selected to operate the program under subsection (2) of this section shall provide payment to the national nonprofit foundation under subsection (2)(e) of this section that equals 50 percent of the cost to provide books to eligible children enrolled in the program.
(b) Each affiliate program shall provide payment to the program under subsection (2) of this section that equals the remaining cost to provide books to eligible children enrolled in the program.
(c) Nothing in this section requires that state funding be provided to the nonprofit organization selected under this subsection or to the program except as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(5) The department may seek and accept gifts, grants, or endowments from public or private sources for the program and may spend any gifts, grants, or endowments or income from public or private sources on the program according to their terms.
[ 2022 c 39 s 1.]

catchline: Imagination library of Washington program.


title: RCW 43.216.205

text:
(1) The department, in coordination with the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs, the department of social and health services, and the health care authority, shall develop and implement a rapid response team that is prepared to respond appropriately to support youth and young adults exiting a publicly funded system of care. As part of the development and implementation of the rapid response team, the department shall develop and implement a system for:
(a) Identifying youth and young adults that should be served by the rapid response team;
(b) Initiating use of the rapid response team in a timely manner that will allow for the best possible transition planning; and
(c) Locating services and connecting youth and young adults with those services to establish stability.
(2) The rapid response team developed under this section may provide assistance and support to youth and young adults who are at risk of becoming homeless and who are exiting a publicly funded system of care with the goal of securing appropriate housing and other supports for the youth or young adult. If there is no housing identified for a youth or young adult upon exit, the rapid response team shall meet before a youth or young adult transitions out of a publicly funded system of care to allow the youth or young adult to better prepare for the exit. The assistance and support provided under this subsection should occur as soon as possible, particularly if a youth or young adult presents risk factors that place the youth at higher risk of possible homelessness.
(3) Any of the following individuals may refer a youth or young adult to the rapid response team:
(a) A youth or young adult themselves;
(b) A family member of a youth or young adult;
(c) An advocate for a youth or young adult;
(d) An educator;
(e) A law enforcement officer;
(f) An employee of the department or the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs;
(g) A service provider contracting with or licensed by the department;
(h) A behavioral health service provider serving a youth or young adult; or
(i) A service provider contracting with the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs.
(4) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Publicly funded system of care" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 43.330.720;
(b) "Rapid response team" means a team of representatives from relevant state agencies that meet to respond to complex cases involving a youth or young adult located anywhere in the state exiting a publicly funded system of care to support those youth or young adults with the goal of securing appropriate housing and other supports for the youth or young adult. Services and supports under this section must incorporate youth or young adult voice and choice. The services under this section must be responsive to the individual needs of each youth or young adult and may include, but are not limited to:
(i) Behavioral health services;
(ii) Civil legal aid;
(iii) Peer support;
(iv) Family reconciliation or engagement services;
(v) Employment support;
(vi) Education support;
(vii) Case management;
(viii) Housing and financial support; or
(ix) Other navigation support to secure safe and stable housing; and
(c) "Youth" and "young adult" have the same meaning as provided in RCW 43.330.702.
(5) By November 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the department, in coordination with the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs shall provide a report to the legislature and the governor including data and recommendations related to the rapid response team created in this section. The report required under this subsection must be submitted in compliance with RCW 43.01.036. The report required under this subsection must include the following:
(a) The number of people referred to the rapid response team and the types of people making referrals to the rapid response team;
(b) The demographic data of the people served by the rapid response team;
(c) The types of services identified as needed for the people served by the rapid response team;
(d) The availability of the services identified as needed for the people served by the rapid response team; and
(e) The barriers identified to adequately address the needs of people referred to the rapid response team and recommendations to address those barriers.
[ 2022 c 137 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 137 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2023." [ 2022 c 137 s 6.]
Findings—Intent—2022 c 137: See note following RCW 43.330.723.

catchline: Youth and young adults exiting publicly funded system of care—Rapid response team.


title: RCW 43.216.250

text:
It shall be the secretary's duty with regard to licensing under this chapter:
(1) In consultation and with the advice and assistance of persons representative of the various type agencies to be licensed, to designate categories of child care facilities or outdoor locations for which separate or different requirements shall be developed as may be appropriate whether because of variations in the ages and other characteristics of the children served, variations in the purposes and services offered or size or structure of the agencies to be licensed, or because of any other factor relevant thereto;
(2)(a) In consultation with the state fire marshal's office, the secretary shall use an interagency process to address health and safety requirements for child care programs that serve school-age children and are operated in buildings that contain public or private schools that safely serve children during times in which school is in session;
(b) Any requirements in (a) of this subsection as they relate to the physical facility, including outdoor playgrounds, do not apply to before-school and after-school programs that serve only school-age children and operate in the same facilities used by public or private schools;
(3) In consultation and with the advice and assistance of parents or guardians, and persons representative of the various type agencies to be licensed, to adopt and publish minimum requirements for licensing applicable to each of the various categories of agencies to be licensed under this chapter;
(4) In consultation with law enforcement personnel, the secretary shall investigate the conviction record or pending charges of each agency and its staff seeking licensure or relicensure, and other persons having unsupervised access to children in child care;
(5) To satisfy the shared background check requirements provided for in RCW 43.216.270 and 43.20A.710, the department of children, youth, and families and the department of social and health services shall share federal fingerprint-based background check results as permitted under the law. The purpose of this provision is to allow both departments to fulfill their joint background check responsibility of checking any individual who may have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, children, or juveniles. Neither department may share the federal background check results with any other state agency or person;
(6) To issue, revoke, or deny licenses to agencies pursuant to this chapter. Licenses shall specify the category of child care that an agency is authorized to render and the ages and number of children to be served;
(7) To prescribe the procedures and the form and contents of reports necessary for the administration of this chapter and to require regular reports from each licensee;
(8) To inspect agencies periodically to determine whether or not there is compliance with this chapter and the requirements adopted under this chapter;
(9) To review requirements adopted under this chapter at least every two years and to adopt appropriate changes after consultation with affected groups for child care requirements; and
(10) To consult with public and private agencies in order to help them improve their methods and facilities for the care and early learning of children.
[ 2021 c 304 s 9; 2018 c 58 s 70; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 205; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 4. Prior: 2011 c 359 s 2; 2011 c 253 s 3; 2007 c 415 s 3; 2006 c 265 s 301. Formerly RCW 43.215.200.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 ss 102, 104-115, 201-227, 301-337, 401-419, 501-513, 801-803, and 805-822: See note following RCW 43.216.025.
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 4: "Section 4 of this act takes effect July 1, 2016." [ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 23.]
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.
Finding—Intent—2011 c 359: "(1) The legislature finds that some licensed child care centers seeking to operate in public schools incur substantial costs to renovate spaces that are considered safe for children to use for the purpose of education. Consequently, families are forced to seek before or after school child care outside of the school building, resulting in additional transitions for students.
(2) It is the legislature's intent to allow licensed child care centers that serve school-age children to operate in facilities that provide a safe and healthy environment for children to use for the purpose of education. With respect to section 2(2) of this act, the legislature intends that the development of any related child care licensing requirements shall:
(a) Ensure safe and healthy environments for children;
(b) Utilize existing rule-making processes and resources;
(c) Utilize existing requirements as a starting point rather than create an entirely new set of requirements; and
(d) Give due consideration to the burdens imposed by inconsistent licensing requirements." [ 2011 c 359 s 1.]

catchline: Secretary's licensing duties.


title: RCW 43.216.255

text:
(1) No later than November 1, 2016, the department shall implement a single set of licensing standards for child care and the early childhood education and assistance program. The department shall produce the single set of licensing standards within the department's available appropriations. The new licensing standards must:
(a) Provide minimum licensing requirements for child care and preschool programs, subject to subsection (2) of this section, which must include a zero tolerance policy for imminent physical harm. Upon violation of the zero tolerance policy, the department shall issue an immediate summary suspension to the licensee;
(b) Rely on the standards established in the early achievers program to address quality issues in participating early childhood programs;
(c) Take into account the separate needs of family care providers, outdoor nature-based child care providers, and child care centers; and
(d) Promote the continued safety of child care settings, and expressly require that the premises of all licensed settings are absent of high-potency synthetic opioids, drug manufacturing equipment, and drug paraphernalia.
(2) In establishing the maximum group sizes and staff-to-child ratios for child care centers, the licensing standards established and implemented by the department must allow for the following periods of mixed-ratio time in which children of different age groups may be combined, provided the staff-to-child ratio and group size designated for the youngest child in the mixed group are maintained:
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, up to 2.5 hours per day, to be used on a schedule established by the center; and
(b) Up to four hours per day, to be used on a schedule established by the center, if at least 90 minutes of that time is reserved for allowing meal and rest breaks for center staff.
(3) Private schools that operate early learning programs and do not receive state subsidy payments shall be subject to the minimum health and safety standards as defined in RCW 43.216.395(2)(b), the health and safety requirements under chapter 28A.195 RCW, and the requirements necessary to assure a sufficient early childhood education to meet usual requirements needed for transition into elementary school. The state, and any agency thereof, shall not restrict or dictate any specific educational or other programs for early learning programs operated by private schools except for programs that receive state subsidy payments.
(4) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Drug paraphernalia" has the same meaning as in RCW 69.50.4121.
(b) "High-potency synthetic opioids" has the same meaning as in RCW 13.34.030; and
(c) "Imminent physical harm" means the presence of high-potency synthetic opioids or drug manufacturing equipment in the licensed facility or program space.
(5) Nothing in this section creates a private right of action.
[ 2026 c 82 s 1; 2021 c 304 s 10; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 3. Formerly RCW 43.215.201.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.

catchline: Licensing standards.


title: RCW 43.216.260

text:
Applications for licensure shall require, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) The size and suitability of a facility or location for an outdoor nature-based child care program, and the plan of operation for carrying out the purpose for which an applicant seeks a license;
(2) The character, suitability, and competence of an agency and other persons associated with an agency directly responsible for the care of children;
(3) The number of qualified persons required to render the type of care for which an agency seeks a license;
(4) To provide for the comfort, care, and well-being of children, information about the health, safety, cleanliness, and general adequacy of the premises, including the real property and premises for an outdoor nature-based child care program;
(5) The provision of necessary care and early learning, including food, supervision, and discipline; physical, mental, and social well-being; and educational and recreational opportunities for those served;
(6) The financial ability of an agency to comply with minimum requirements established under this chapter; and
(7) The maintenance of records pertaining to the care of children.
[ 2021 c 304 s 11; 2007 c 415 s 4. Formerly RCW 43.215.205.]

catchline: Minimum requirements for licensure.


title: RCW 43.216.263

text:
The department must waive the early learning program preservice requirement to complete a department-provided orientation when an individual has previously completed the applicable orientation and:
(1) It has been less than five years since completion of the orientation;
(2) The orientation content and licensing process have not substantially changed since the date of completion; and
(3) The individual has not had a break in service either as a licensed child care provider or working in a licensed child care facility.
[ 2026 c 82 s 2.]

catchline: Waiver of orientation requirement.


title: RCW 43.216.265

text:
The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, shall have the power and it shall be his or her duty:
(1) In consultation with the secretary and with the advice and assistance of persons representative of the various type agencies to be licensed, to adopt recognized minimum standard requirements pertaining to each category of agency established pursuant to this chapter necessary to protect all persons residing therein from fire hazards;
(2) To adopt licensing minimum standard requirements to allow children who attend classes in a school building during school hours to remain in the same building to participate in before-school or after-school programs and to allow participation in such before-school and after-school programs by children who attend other schools and are transported to attend such before-school and after-school programs;
(3) To make or cause to be made such inspections and investigations of agencies as he or she deems necessary;
(4) To make a periodic review of requirements under RCW 43.216.250(8) and to adopt necessary changes after consultation as required in subsection (1) of this section;
(5) To issue to applicants for licenses under this chapter who comply with the requirements, a certificate of compliance, a copy of which shall be presented to the department before a license shall be issued, except that an initial license may be issued as provided in RCW 43.216.315;
(6) When a child care center is operated in a dedicated space within an existing building that has more than one use, to calculate the occupancy load of the child care center based only on the area in the building where the child care services are provided.
[ 2025 c 150 s 3; 2018 c 58 s 42; 2013 c 227 s 1; 2006 c 265 s 302. Formerly RCW 43.215.210.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 150: See note following RCW 19.27.600.
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: Fire protection—Powers and duties of chief of the Washington state patrol.


title: RCW 43.216.270

text:
(1)(a) In determining whether an individual is of appropriate character, suitability, and competence to provide child care and early learning services to children, the department may consider the history of past involvement of child protective services or law enforcement agencies with the individual for the purpose of establishing a pattern of conduct, behavior, or inaction with regard to the health, safety, or welfare of a child. No report of child abuse or neglect that has been destroyed or expunged under RCW 26.44.031 may be used for such purposes. No unfounded or inconclusive allegation of child abuse or neglect as defined in RCW 26.44.020 may be disclosed to a provider licensed under this chapter.
(b) The department may not deny or delay a license to provide child care and early learning services under this chapter to an individual solely because of a founded finding of physical abuse or negligent treatment or maltreatment involving the individual revealed in the background check process or solely because the individual's child was found by a court to be dependent as a result of a finding that the individual abused or neglected their child pursuant to RCW 13.34.030(6)(b) when that founded finding or court finding is accompanied by a certificate of parental improvement as defined in chapter 74.13 RCW related to the same incident.
(2) In order to determine the suitability of individuals newly applying for an agency license, new licensees, their new employees, and other persons who newly have unsupervised access to children in child care, shall be fingerprinted.
(a) The fingerprints shall be forwarded to the Washington state patrol and federal bureau of investigation for a criminal history record check.
(b) All individuals applying for first-time agency licenses, all new employees, and other persons who have not been previously qualified by the department to have unsupervised access to children in child care must be fingerprinted and obtain a criminal history record check pursuant to this section.
(c) The secretary shall use the fingerprint criminal history record check information solely for the purpose of determining eligibility for a license and for determining the character, suitability, and competence of those persons or agencies, excluding parents, not required to be licensed who are authorized to care for children.
(d) Criminal justice agencies shall provide the secretary such information as they may have and that the secretary may require for such purpose.
(e) No later than July 1, 2013, all agency licensees holding licenses prior to July 1, 2012, persons who were employees before July 1, 2012, and persons who have been qualified by the department before July 1, 2012, to have unsupervised access to children in child care, must submit a new background application to the department.
(f) The department shall issue a background check clearance card or certificate to the applicant if after the completion of a background check the department concludes the applicant is qualified for unsupervised access to children in child care. The background check clearance card or certificate is valid for five years from the date of issuance. A valid card or certificate must be accepted by a potential employer as proof that the applicant has successfully completed a background check as required under this chapter. For purposes of renewal of the background clearance card or certificate, all agency licensees holding a license, persons who are employees, and persons who have been previously qualified by the department, must submit a new background application to the department on a date to be determined by the department.
(g) The original applicant for an agency license, licensees, their employees, and other persons who have unsupervised access to children in child care shall submit a new background check application to the department, on a form and by a date as determined by the department.
(h) The applicant and agency shall maintain on-site for inspection a copy of the background check clearance card or certificate.
(i) Individuals who have been issued a background check clearance card or certificate shall report nonconviction and conviction information to the department within twenty-four hours of the event constituting the nonconviction or conviction information.
(j) The department shall investigate and conduct a redetermination of an applicant's or licensee's background clearance if the department receives a complaint or information from individuals, a law enforcement agency, or other federal, state, or local government agency. Subject to the requirements contained in RCW 43.216.325 and 43.216.327 and based on a determination that an individual lacks the appropriate character, suitability, or competence to provide child care or early learning services to children, the department may: (i) Invalidate the background card or certificate; or (ii) suspend, modify, or revoke any license authorized by this chapter.
(3) To satisfy the shared background check requirements of the department of children, youth, and families, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the department of social and health services, each department shall share federal fingerprint-based background check results as permitted under the law. The purpose of this provision is to allow these departments to fulfill their joint background check responsibility of checking any individual who may have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, children, or juveniles. These departments may not share the federal background check results with any other state agency or person.
(4) Individuals who have completed a fingerprint background check as required by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, consistent with RCW 28A.400.303, and have been continuously employed by the same school district or educational service district, can meet the requirements in subsection (2) of this section by providing a true and accurate copy of their Washington state patrol and federal bureau of investigation background check report results to the department or if the school district or the educational service district provides an affidavit to the department that the individual has been authorized to work by the school district or educational service district after completing a record check consistent with RCW 28A.400.303. The department may require that additional background checks be completed that do not require additional fingerprinting.
(5) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose and to help satisfy the background check requirements in this section, the department shall maintain the capacity to roll, print, or scan fingerprints in at least seven of the department's early learning and child welfare offices for the purposes of Washington state patrol and federal bureau of investigation fingerprint-based background checks. Office locations must:
(a) Be prioritized based on proximity to existing fingerprinting service capacity, regional demand, and criteria to enhance timely access;
(b) Provide staff support of a minimum of 0.5 full-time equivalent employees per office location; and
(c) Provide fingerprinting services solely for prospective and current child care employees, licensed group care employees, families, and relatives involved in child welfare.
[ 2024 c 300 s 2; 2023 c 437 s 2; 2022 c 297 s 960; 2020 c 270 s 9. Prior: 2018 c 59 s 1; 2018 c 58 s 69; prior: 2017 3rd sp.s. c 33 s 6; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 206; prior: 2011 c 295 s 2; 2011 c 253 s 4; 2007 c 415 s 5. Formerly RCW 43.215.215.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2024 c 300: "The legislature finds that accurate background checks play an important role in ensuring the safety of Washington families seeking child care services and for those involved in the child welfare system. The legislature finds that many areas of the state lack convenient access to fingerprinting services, thereby significantly delaying or inhibiting hiring and approval processes. The legislature finds that completing background checks more quickly will help address child care workforce shortfalls by allowing providers to hire, train, and employ new staff. The legislature therefore intends to improve workforce stability by reducing processing times for background checks and directing the department of children, youth, and families to make fingerprinting services available at selected early learning and child welfare offices as provided in this act." [ 2024 c 300 s 1.]
Effective date—2024 c 300: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 26, 2024]." [ 2024 c 300 s 4.]
Effective date—2022 c 297: See note following RCW 43.79.565.
Effective date—2020 c 270: See note following RCW 74.13.720.
Effective date—2018 c 59: "This act takes effect July 1, 2018." [ 2018 c 59 s 2.]
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 ss 102, 104-115, 201-227, 301-337, 401-419, 501-513, 801-803, and 805-822: See note following RCW 43.216.025.

catchline: Character, suitability, and competence to provide child care and early learning services—Fingerprint criminal history record checks—Background check clearance card or certificate—Shared background checks—Capacity to perform checks.


title: RCW 43.216.271

text:
The department shall maintain an individual-based or portable background check clearance registry. Any individual seeking a child care license or employment in any child care facility or outdoor nature-based child care program licensed or regulated under current law shall submit a background application on a form prescribed by the department in rule.
[ 2023 c 437 s 3; 2021 c 304 s 12; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 207; 2011 c 295 s 1. Formerly RCW 43.215.216.]
Notes:
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 ss 102, 104-115, 201-227, 301-337, 401-419, 501-513, 801-803, and 805-822: See note following RCW 43.216.025.

catchline: Background check clearance registry—Background application form.


title: RCW 43.216.280

text:
Licensed child day care centers and outdoor nature-based child care providers shall provide notice of pesticide use to parents or guardians of students and employees pursuant to chapter 17.21 RCW.
[ 2021 c 304 s 13; 2006 c 265 s 303. Formerly RCW 43.215.220.]

catchline: Licensed day care centers and outdoor nature-based child care providers—Notice of pesticide use.


title: RCW 43.216.285

text:
A copy of the articles of incorporation of any agency or amendments to the articles of existing corporation agencies shall be sent by the secretary of state to the department at the time such articles or amendments are filed.
[ 2006 c 265 s 304. Formerly RCW 43.215.230.]

catchline: Articles of incorporation.


title: RCW 43.216.290

text:
All agencies subject to this chapter shall accord the department, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and the director of fire protection, or their designees, the right of entrance and the privilege of access to and inspection of records for the purpose of determining whether or not there is compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the requirements adopted under it.
[ 2006 c 265 s 305. Formerly RCW 43.215.240.]

catchline: Access to agencies—Records inspection.


title: RCW 43.216.295

text:
(1) It is unlawful for any agency to care for children unless the agency is licensed as provided in this chapter.
(2) A license issued under chapter 74.15 RCW before July 1, 2006, for an agency subject to this chapter after July 1, 2006, is valid until its next renewal, unless otherwise suspended or revoked by the department.
[ 2006 c 265 s 306. Formerly RCW 43.215.250.]

catchline: License required.


title: RCW 43.216.300

text:
(1) The secretary shall charge fees to the licensee for obtaining a license. The secretary may waive the fees when, in the discretion of the secretary, the fees would not be in the best interest of public health and safety, or when the fees would be to the financial disadvantage of the state.
(2) Fees charged shall be based on, but shall not exceed, the cost to the department for the licensure of the activity or class of activities and may include costs of necessary inspection.
(3) The secretary shall establish the fees charged by rule.
[ 2018 c 58 s 41; (2021 c 304 s 29 expired June 30, 2023); 2007 c 17 s 1. Formerly RCW 43.215.255.]
Notes:
Expiration date—2021 c 304 s 29: "Section 29 of this act expires June 30, 2023." [ 2021 c 304 s 34.]
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: License fees.


title: RCW 43.216.305

text:
(1) Each agency shall make application for a license or the continuation of a full license to the department using a method prescribed by the department. Upon receipt of such application, the department shall either grant or deny a license or continuation of a full license within ninety days. A license or continuation shall be granted if the agency meets the minimum requirements set forth in this chapter and the departmental requirements consistent with this chapter, except that an initial license may be issued as provided in RCW 43.216.315. The department shall consider whether an agency is in good standing, as defined in subsection (4)(b) of this section, before granting a continuation of a full license. Full licenses provided for in this chapter shall continue to remain valid so long as the licensee meets the requirements for a nonexpiring license in subsection (2) of this section and may be transferred to a new licensee in the event of a transfer of ownership of a child care operation. The licensee, however, shall advise the secretary of any material change in circumstances which might constitute grounds for reclassification of license as to category. The license issued under this chapter applies only to the licensee and the location stated in the application. For licensed family day care homes having an acceptable history of child care, the license may remain in effect for two weeks after a move.
(2) In order to qualify for a nonexpiring full license, a licensee must meet the following requirements on an annual basis as established from the date of initial licensure:
(a) Submit the annual licensing fee;
(b) Submit a declaration to the department indicating the licensee's intent to continue operating a licensed child care program, or the intent to cease operation on a date certain;
(c) Submit a declaration of compliance with all licensing rules; and
(d) For all current employees of the agency and as defined by department rule, submit background check applications into the department's electronic workforce registry on the schedule established by the department.
(3) If a licensee fails to meet the requirements in subsection (2) of this section for continuation of a full license the license expires and the licensee must submit a new application for licensure under this chapter.
(4)(a) Nothing about the nonexpiring license process may interfere with the department's established monitoring practice.
(b) For the purpose of this section, an agency is considered to be in good standing if in the intervening period between monitoring visits the agency does not have any of the following:
(i) Valid complaints;
(ii) A history of noncompliance related to those valid complaints or pending from prior monitoring visits; or
(iii) Other information that when evaluated would result in a finding of noncompliance with this section.
(c) The department shall consider whether an agency is in good standing when determining the most appropriate approach and process for monitoring visits, for the purposes of administrative efficiency while protecting children, consistent with this chapter. If the department determines that an agency is not in good standing, the department may issue a probationary license, as provided in RCW 43.216.320.
[ 2021 c 304 s 14; 2020 c 343 s 5; 2018 c 58 s 40; 2011 c 297 s 1; 2006 c 265 s 307. Formerly RCW 43.215.260.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—2020 c 343: See notes following RCW 43.216.514.
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: License application—Nonexpiring licenses—Issuance, renewal, transfer, duration.


title: RCW 43.216.310

text:
(1) If a licensee desires to apply for a renewal of its license, a request for a renewal shall be filed ninety days before the expiration date of the license. If the department has failed to act at the time of the expiration date of the license, the license shall continue in effect until such time as the department acts.
(2) License renewal under this section does not apply to nonexpiring licenses described in *RCW 43.215.260.
[ 2011 c 297 s 3; 2006 c 265 s 308. Formerly RCW 43.215.270.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.260 was recodified as RCW 43.216.305 pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.

catchline: License renewal.


title: RCW 43.216.315

text:
The secretary may, at his or her discretion, issue an initial license instead of a full license, to an agency or facility for a period not to exceed six months, renewable for a period not to exceed two years, to allow such agency or facility reasonable time to become eligible for full license.
[ 2018 c 58 s 39; 2006 c 265 s 309. Formerly RCW 43.215.280.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: Initial licenses.


title: RCW 43.216.320

text:
(1) The department may issue a probationary license to a licensee who has had an initial, expiring, or other license but is temporarily unable to comply with a rule or has been the subject of multiple complaints or concerns about noncompliance if:
(a) The noncompliance does not present an immediate threat to the health and well-being of the children but would be likely to do so if allowed to continue; and
(b) The licensee has a plan approved by the department to correct the area of noncompliance within the probationary period.
(2) Before issuing a probationary license, the department shall, in writing, refer the licensee to the child care resource and referral network or other appropriate resource for technical assistance. The department may issue a probationary license pursuant to subsection (1) of this section if within fifteen working days after the department has sent its referral:
(a) The licensee, in writing, has refused the department's referral for technical assistance; or
(b) The licensee has failed to respond in writing to the department's referral for technical assistance.
(3) If the licensee accepts the department's referral for technical assistance issued under subsection (2) of this section, the department, the licensee, and the technical assistance provider shall meet within thirty days after the licensee's acceptance. The licensee and the department, in consultation with the technical assistance provider, shall develop a plan to correct the areas of noncompliance identified by the department. If, after sixty days, the licensee has not corrected the areas of noncompliance identified in the plan developed in consultation with the technical assistance provider, the department may issue a probationary license pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
(4) A probationary license may be issued for up to six months, and at the discretion of the department it may be extended for an additional six months. The department shall immediately terminate the probationary license, if at any time the noncompliance for which the probationary license was issued presents an immediate threat to the health or well-being of the children.
(5) The department may, at any time, issue a probationary license for due cause that states the conditions of probation.
(6) An existing license is invalidated when a probationary license is issued.
(7) At the expiration of the probationary license, the department shall reinstate the original license for the remainder of its term, issue a new license, or revoke the original license.
(8) A right to an adjudicative proceeding shall not accrue to the licensee whose license has been placed on probationary status unless the licensee does not agree with the placement on probationary status and the department then suspends, revokes, or modifies the license.
[ 2011 c 297 s 2; 2006 c 265 s 310. Formerly RCW 43.215.290.]

catchline: Probationary licenses.


title: RCW 43.216.325

text:
(1) An agency may be denied a license, or any license issued pursuant to this chapter may be suspended, revoked, modified, or not renewed by the secretary upon proof (a) that the agency has failed or refused to comply with the provisions of this chapter or the requirements adopted pursuant to this chapter; or (b) that the conditions required for the issuance of a license under this chapter have ceased to exist with respect to such licenses. RCW 43.216.327 governs notice of a license denial, revocation, suspension, or modification and provides the right to an adjudicative proceeding.
(2) In any adjudicative proceeding regarding the denial, modification, suspension, or revocation of any license under this chapter, the department's decision shall be upheld if it is supported by a preponderance of the evidence.
(3)(a) The department may assess civil monetary penalties upon proof that an agency has failed or refused to comply with the rules adopted under this chapter or that an agency subject to licensing under this chapter is operating without a license except that civil monetary penalties shall not be levied against a licensed foster home.
(b) Monetary penalties levied against unlicensed agencies that submit an application for licensure within thirty days of notification and subsequently become licensed will be forgiven. These penalties may be assessed in addition to or in lieu of other disciplinary actions. Civil monetary penalties, if imposed, may be assessed and collected, with interest, for each day an agency is or was out of compliance.
(c) Civil monetary penalties shall not exceed one hundred fifty dollars per violation for a family day care home and two hundred fifty dollars per violation for child day care centers or outdoor nature-based child care programs. Each day upon which the same or substantially similar action occurs is a separate violation subject to the assessment of a separate penalty.
(d) The department shall provide a notification period before a monetary penalty is effective and may forgive the penalty levied if the agency comes into compliance during this period.
(e) The department may suspend, revoke, or not renew a license for failure to pay a civil monetary penalty it has assessed pursuant to this chapter within ten days after such assessment becomes final. RCW 43.216.335 governs notice of a civil monetary penalty and provides the right to an adjudicative proceeding. The preponderance of evidence standard shall apply in adjudicative proceedings related to assessment of civil monetary penalties.
(4)(a) In addition to or in lieu of an enforcement action being taken, the department may place a child day care center, outdoor nature-based child care provider, or family day care provider on nonreferral status if the center or provider has failed or refused to comply with this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter or an enforcement action has been taken. The nonreferral status may continue until the department determines that: (i) No enforcement action is appropriate; or (ii) a corrective action plan has been successfully concluded.
(b) Whenever a child day care center, outdoor nature-based child care provider, or family day care provider is placed on nonreferral status, the department shall provide written notification to the child day care center, outdoor nature-based child care provider, or family day care provider.
(5) The department shall notify appropriate public and private child care resource and referral agencies of the department's decision to: (a) Take an enforcement action against a child day care center, outdoor nature-based child care provider, or family day care provider; or (b) place or remove a child day care center, outdoor nature-based child care provider, or family day care provider on nonreferral status.
[ 2021 c 304 s 15; 2018 c 58 s 38; 2011 c 296 s 1; 2007 c 17 s 2; 2006 c 265 s 311. Formerly RCW 43.215.300.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Short title—2011 c 296: "This act shall be known and cited as the Colby Thompson act." [ 2011 c 296 s 4.]

catchline: Licenses—Denial, suspension, revocation, modification, nonrenewal—Proceedings—Penalties.