title: RCW 43.216.327

text:
(1) The department shall give written notice of the denial of an application for a license to the applicant or his or her agent. The department shall give written notice of revocation, suspension, or modification of a license to the licensee or his or her agent. The notice shall state the reasons for the action. The notice shall be personally served in the manner of service of a summons in a civil action or shall be given in another manner that shows proof of receipt.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and in subsection (4) of this section, revocation, suspension, or modification is effective twenty-eight days after the licensee or the agent receives the notice.
(a) The department may make the date the action is effective later than twenty-eight days after receipt. If the department does so, it shall state the effective date in the written notice given the licensee or agent.
(b) The department may make the date the action is effective sooner than twenty-eight days after receipt when necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. When the department does so, it shall state the effective date and the reasons supporting the effective date in the written notice given to the licensee or agent.
(c) When the department has received certification pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW from the division of child support that the licensee is a person who is not in compliance with a support order, the department shall provide that the suspension is effective immediately upon receipt of the suspension notice by the licensee.
(3) Except for licensees suspended for noncompliance with a support order under chapter 74.20A RCW, a license applicant or licensee who is aggrieved by a department denial, revocation, suspension, or modification has the right to an adjudicative proceeding. The proceeding is governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The application must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the adverse action, include a copy of the adverse notice, be served on and received by the department within twenty-eight days of the license applicant's or licensee's receiving the adverse notice, and be served in a manner that shows proof of receipt.
(4)(a) If the department gives a licensee twenty-eight or more days' notice of revocation, suspension, or modification and the licensee files an appeal before its effective date, the department shall not implement the adverse action until the final order has been entered. The presiding or reviewing officer may permit the department to implement part or all of the adverse action while the proceedings are pending if the appellant causes an unreasonable delay in the proceeding, if the circumstances change so that implementation is in the public interest, or for other good cause.
(b) If the department gives a licensee less than twenty-eight days' notice of revocation, suspension, or modification and the licensee timely files a sufficient appeal, the department may implement the adverse action on the effective date stated in the notice. The presiding or reviewing officer may order the department to stay implementation of part or all of the adverse action while the proceedings are pending if staying implementation is in the public interest or for other good cause.
[ 2007 c 17 s 3. Formerly RCW 43.215.305.]

catchline: Licenses—Denial, revocation, suspension, or modification—Notice—Effective date of action—Adjudicative proceeding.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.216.335

text:
(1) The department shall give written notice to the person against whom it assesses a civil fine. The notice shall state the reasons for the adverse action. The notice shall be personally served in the manner of service of a summons in a civil action or shall be given in another manner that shows proof of receipt.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, the civil fine is due and payable twenty-eight days after receipt. The department may make the date the fine is due later than twenty-eight days after receipt. When the department does so, it shall state the effective date in the written notice given the person against whom it assesses the fine.
(3) The person against whom the department assesses a civil fine has the right to an adjudicative proceeding. The proceeding is governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The application must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the fine, include a copy of the adverse notice, be served on and received by the department within twenty-eight days of the person's receiving the notice of civil fine, and be served in a manner that shows proof of receipt.
(4) If the person files a timely and sufficient appeal, the department shall not implement the action until the final order has been served. The presiding or reviewing officer may permit the department to implement part or all of the action while the proceedings are pending if the appellant causes an unreasonable delay in the proceedings or for other good cause.
[ 2007 c 17 s 4. Formerly RCW 43.215.307.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.216.340

text:
(1) Before requiring any alterations to a child care facility due to inconsistencies with requirements in chapter 19.27 RCW, the department shall:
(a) Consult with the city or county enforcement official; and
(b) Receive written verification from the city or county enforcement official that the alteration is required.
(2) The department's consultation with the city or county enforcement official is limited to licensed child care space.
(3) Unless there is imminent danger to children or staff, the department may not modify, suspend, or revoke a child care license or business activities while the department is waiting to:
(a) Consult with the city or county enforcement official under subsection (1)(a) of this section; or
(b) Receive written verification from the city or county enforcement official that the alteration is required under subsection (1)(b) of this section.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "child care facility" means a family day care home, school-age care, outdoor nature-based child care, and child day care center.
[ 2021 c 304 s 16; 2014 c 9 s 1. Formerly RCW 43.215.308.]

catchline: Licensure pending compliance with state building code, chapter 19.27 RCW—Consultation with local officials.


title: RCW 43.216.345

text:
(1) The office of administrative hearings shall not assign nor allow an administrative law judge to preside over an adjudicative hearing regarding denial, modification, suspension, or revocation of any license to provide child care under this chapter, unless such judge has received training related to state and federal laws and department policies and procedures regarding:
(a) Child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment;
(b) Child protective services investigations and standards;
(c) Licensing activities and standards;
(d) Child development; and
(e) Parenting skills.
(2) The office of administrative hearings shall develop and implement a training program that carries out the requirements of this section. The office of administrative hearings shall consult and coordinate with the department in developing the training program. The department may assist the office of administrative hearings in developing and providing training to administrative law judges.
[ 2006 c 265 s 312. Formerly RCW 43.215.310.]

catchline: Adjudicative proceedings—Training for administrative law judges.


title: RCW 43.216.350

text:
The secretary shall immediately suspend the license or certificate of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order or a *residential or visitation order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate shall be automatic upon the secretary's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order.
[ 2018 c 58 s 37; 2006 c 265 s 313. Formerly RCW 43.215.320.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: 1997 c 58 s 886 requiring a court to order certification of noncompliance with residential provisions of a court-ordered parenting plan was vetoed. Provisions ordering the department of social and health services to certify a responsible parent based on a court order to certify for noncompliance with residential provisions of a parenting plan were vetoed. See RCW 74.20A.320.
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: License or certificate suspension—Noncompliance with support order—Reissuance.


title: RCW 43.216.355

text:
Notwithstanding the existence or pursuit of any other remedy, the secretary may, in the manner provided by law, upon the advice of the attorney general, who shall represent the department in the proceeding, maintain an action in the name of the state for injunction or such other relief as he or she may deem advisable against any agency subject to licensing under the provisions of this chapter or against any such agency not having a license as heretofore provided in this chapter.
[ 2018 c 58 s 36; 2006 c 265 s 314. Formerly RCW 43.215.330.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: Actions against agencies.


title: RCW 43.216.360

text:
When the department suspects that an agency is providing child care services without a license, it shall send notice to that agency within ten days. The notice shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
(1) That a license is required and the reasons why;
(2) That the agency is suspected of providing child care without a license;
(3) That the agency must immediately stop providing child care until the agency becomes licensed;
(4) That the department can issue a penalty of one hundred fifty dollars per day for each day a family day care home provided care without being licensed and two hundred fifty dollars for each day a child day care center or outdoor nature-based child care provider provided care without being licensed;
(5) That if the agency does not initiate the licensing process within thirty days of the date of the notice, the department will post on its website that the agency is providing child care without a license.
[ 2021 c 304 s 17; 2011 c 296 s 3. Formerly RCW 43.215.335.]
Notes:
Short title—2011 c 296: See note following RCW 43.216.325.

catchline: Unlicensed providers—Notification to agency—Penalty—Posting on website.


title: RCW 43.216.365

text:
Any agency operating without a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. This section shall not be enforceable against an agency until sixty days after the effective date of new rules, applicable to such agency, have been adopted under this chapter.
[ 2006 c 265 s 315. Formerly RCW 43.215.340.]

catchline: Operating without a license—Penalty.


title: RCW 43.216.370

text:
The secretary shall have the power and it shall be the secretary's duty to engage in negotiated rule making pursuant to RCW 34.05.310(2)(a) with the exclusive representative of the family child care licensees selected in accordance with RCW 43.216.375 and with other affected interests before adopting requirements that affect family child care licensees.
[ 2018 c 58 s 35; 2007 c 17 s 15. Formerly RCW 43.215.350.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: Negotiated rule making.


title: RCW 43.216.375

text:
(1) Solely for the purposes of negotiated rule making pursuant to RCW 34.05.310(2)(a) and * 43.215.350, a statewide unit of all family child care licensees is appropriate. As of June 7, 2006, the exclusive representative of family child care licensees in the statewide unit shall be the representative selected as the majority representative in the election held under the directive of the governor to the secretary of the department of social and health services, dated September 16, 2005. If family child care licensees seek to select a different representative thereafter, the family child care licensees may request that the American arbitration association conduct an election and certify the results of the election.
(2) In enacting this section, the legislature intends to provide state action immunity under federal and state antitrust laws for the joint activities of family child care licensees and their exclusive representative to the extent such activities are authorized by this chapter.
[ 2007 c 17 s 16. Formerly RCW 43.215.355.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.350 was recodified as RCW 43.216.370 pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.

catchline: Negotiated rule making—Statewide unit of family child care licensees—Antitrust immunity, intent.


title: RCW 43.216.380

text:
(1) Minimum licensing requirements under this chapter shall include a prohibition on the use of window blinds or other window coverings with pull cords or inner cords capable of forming a loop and posing a risk of strangulation to young children. Window blinds and other coverings that have been manufactured or properly retrofitted in a manner that eliminates the formation of loops posing a risk of strangulation are not prohibited under this section.
(2) When developing and periodically reviewing minimum licensing requirements related to safety of the premises, the secretary shall consult and give serious consideration to publications of the United States consumer product safety commission.
(3) The department may provide information as available regarding reduced cost or no-cost options for retrofitting or replacing unsafe window blinds and window coverings.
[ 2018 c 58 s 67; 2007 c 299 s 1. Formerly RCW 43.215.360.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Short title—2007 c 299: "This act may be known and cited as the Jaclyn Frank act." [ 2007 c 299 s 2.]

catchline: Minimum licensing requirements—Window blind pull cords.


title: RCW 43.216.385

text:
For the purposes of reporting actions taken against agency licensees, upon the development of an early learning information system, the following actions shall be posted to the department's website accessible by the public: Suspension, surrender, revocation, denial, stayed suspension, or reinstatement of a license. The department shall also post on the website those agencies subject to licensing that have not initiated the licensing process within thirty days of the department's notification as required in *RCW 43.215.300.
[ 2011 c 296 s 2; 2007 c 415 s 9. Formerly RCW 43.215.370.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.300 was recodified as RCW 43.216.325 pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.
Short title—2011 c 296: See note following RCW 43.216.325.

catchline: Reporting—Actions against agency licensees—Agencies notified of licensing requirement—Posting on website.


title: RCW 43.216.390

text:
Upon resignation or termination with or without cause of any individual working in a child care agency, the child care agency shall report to the department within twenty-four hours if it has knowledge of the following with respect to the individual:
(1) Any charge or conviction for a crime listed in WAC 110-06-0120;
(2) Any other charge or conviction for a crime that could be reasonably related to the individual's suitability to provide care for or have unsupervised access to children or care; or
(3) Any negative action as defined in RCW 43.216.010.
[ 2019 c 470 s 13; 2011 c 295 s 6. Formerly RCW 43.215.371.]

catchline: Reporting resignation or termination of individual working in child care agency.


title: RCW 43.216.395

text:
(1) The department shall develop an internal review process to determine whether department licensors have appropriately and consistently applied agency rules in inspection reports that do not involve a violation of health and safety standards. Adverse licensing decisions including license denial, suspension, revocation, modification, or nonrenewal pursuant to RCW 43.216.325 or imposition of civil fines pursuant to RCW 43.216.335 are not subject to the internal review process in this section, but may be appealed using the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
(2) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section.
(a) "Child care facility licensing compliance agreement" means an agreement issued by the department in lieu of the department taking enforcement action against a child care provider that contains: (i) A description of the violation and the rule or law that was violated; (ii) a statement from the licensee regarding the proposed plan to comply with the rule or law; (iii) the date the violation must be corrected; (iv) information regarding other licensing action that may be imposed if compliance does not occur by the required date; and (v) the signature of the licensor and licensee or the licensee's delegate.
(b) "Health and safety standards" means rules or requirements developed by the department to protect the health and safety of children against risk of bodily, mental, or psychological injury, harm, illness, or death.
(3) The internal review process shall be conducted by the following six individuals:
(a) Three department employees who may include child care licensors; and
(b) Three child care providers selected by the department from names submitted by the oversight board for children, youth, and families established in RCW 43.216.015.
(4) The internal review process established in this section may overturn, change, or uphold a department licensing decision by majority vote. In the event that the six individuals conducting the internal review process are equally divided, the secretary or the secretary's designee shall make the decision of the internal review process. The internal review process must provide the parties with a written decision of the outcome after completion of the internal review process. A licensee must request a review under the internal review process within ten days of the development of an inspection report and the internal review process must be completed within sixty days after the request from the licensee to initiate the internal review process is received.
(5) A licensee may request a final review by the oversight board for children, youth, and families after completing the internal review process established in this section by giving notice to the department and the oversight board for children, youth, and families within ten days of receiving the written decision produced by the internal review process.
[ 2021 c 304 s 18; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 114.]
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: Child care inspection reports—Internal review process—Definitions—Final review.


title: RCW 43.216.500

text:
It is the intent of the legislature to establish an early childhood state education and assistance program. This special assistance program is a voluntary enrichment program to help prepare some children to enter the common school system and shall be offered only as funds are available. This program is not a part of the basic program of education which must be fully funded by the legislature under Article IX, section 1 of the state Constitution.
[ 1994 c 166 s 1; 1985 c 418 s 1. Formerly RCW 43.215.400, 28A.215.100, 28A.34A.010.]
Notes:
Effective date—1994 c 166: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1994." [ 1994 c 166 s 12.]

catchline: Intent.


title: RCW 43.216.505

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.559, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901.
(1) "Advisory committee" means the advisory committee under RCW 43.216.520.
(2) "Approved programs" means those state-supported education and special assistance programs which are recognized by the department as meeting the minimum program rules adopted by the department to qualify under RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.550, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901 and are designated as eligible for funding by the department under RCW 43.216.530 and 43.216.540.
(3) "Comprehensive" means an assistance program that focuses on the needs of the child and includes education, health, and family support services.
(4) "Eligible child" means a child who is at least three years old by August 31st of the school year, is not yet age-eligible for kindergarten, is not a participant in a federal or state program providing comprehensive services, and who:
(a) Has a family with financial need;
(b) Is experiencing homelessness;
(c) Has participated in early head start or a successor federal program providing comprehensive services for children from birth through two years of age, the early support for infants and toddlers program or received class C developmental services, the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program, or the early childhood intervention and prevention services program;
(d) Is eligible for special education due to disability under RCW 28A.155.020;
(e) Is Indian as defined in rule by the department after consultation and agreement with Washington state's federally recognized tribes pursuant to RCW 43.216.5052 and is at or below 100 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size; or
(f) Meets criteria under rules adopted by the department if the number of such children equals not more than 10 percent of the total enrollment in the early childhood program. Preference for enrollment in this group shall be given to children from families with the lowest income, children in foster care, or to eligible children from families with multiple needs.
(5) "Experiencing homelessness" means a child without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as described in the federal McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act (Title 42 U.S.C., chapter 119, subchapter VI, part B) as it existed on January 1, 2021.
(6) "Family support services" means providing opportunities for parents to:
(a) Actively participate in their child's early childhood program;
(b) Increase their knowledge of child development and parenting skills;
(c) Further their education and training;
(d) Increase their ability to use needed services in the community;
(e) Increase their self-reliance; and
(f) Connect with culturally competent, disability positive therapists and supports where appropriate.
(7) "Family with financial need" means families with incomes at or below 36 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size until the 2030-31 school year. Beginning in the 2030-31 school year, "family with financial need" means families with incomes at or below 50 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size.
[ 2025 c 253 s 2. Prior: 2021 c 199 s 204; 2021 c 67 s 1; 2019 c 408 s 2; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 210; 2014 c 160 s 4; 2014 c 160 s 3; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 s 4; prior: 2010 c 231 s 7; 2006 c 265 s 210; 1999 c 350 s 1; 1994 c 166 s 2; 1990 c 33 s 213; 1988 c 174 s 2; 1985 c 418 s 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.405, 28A.215.110, 28A.34A.020.]
Notes:
Expiration date—2025 c 253 s 2: "Section 2 of this act expires August 1, 2030." [ 2025 c 253 s 7.]
Contingent effective dates—2025 c 253 ss 1, 2, and 6: "(1) Section 1 of this act takes effect only if chapter . . . (Senate Bill No. 5752), Laws of 2025 is not enacted by July 1, 2025.
(2) Section 2 of this act takes effect July 1, 2025, if chapter . . . (Senate Bill No. 5752), Laws of 2025 is enacted by July 1, 2025.
(3) Section 6 of this act takes effect only if chapter . . . (Senate Bill No. 5752), Laws of 2025 is enacted by July 1, 2025." [ 2025 c 253 s 9.]
Effective date—2025 c 253; 2021 c 199 ss 204-206 and 403: "(1) Section 403 of this act [chapter 199, Laws of 2021] takes effect July 1, 2026.
(2) Sections 204 through 206 of this act [chapter 199, Laws of 2021] take effect July 1, 2025." [ 2025 c 253 s 6; 2021 c 199 s 604.]
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 204-208: See note following RCW 43.216.513.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
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—2014 c 160 s 4: "Section 4 of this act takes effect June 30, 2018." [ 2014 c 160 s 5.]
Findings—Intent—2013 2nd sp.s. c 16: "The legislature finds that high quality early learning opportunities are an important factor in lifelong success. The legislature is committed to expanding high quality evidence-based early learning opportunities in order to improve educational outcomes. The legislature further finds that moving toward effective and research-based practices are critical in achieving educational and societal outcomes from early learning investments. The legislature intends to continue improvements in early learning through ongoing evaluation, application of emerging research, and enhanced quality assurance. It is the intent of the legislature that additional investments in early learning will be based on current information regarding the most efficient, research-based, and cost-effective investments." [ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 s 1.]
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: "The legislature finds that the early childhood education and assistance program provides for the educational, social, health, nutritional, and cultural development of children at risk of failure when they reach school age. The long-term benefits to society in the form of greater educational attainment, employment, and projected lifetime earnings as well as the savings to be realized, from lower crime rates, welfare support, and reduced teenage pregnancy, have been demonstrated through lifelong research of at-risk children and early childhood programs.
The legislature intends to encourage development of community partnerships for children at risk by authorizing a program of voluntary grants and contributions from business and community organizations to increase opportunities for children to participate in early childhood education." [ 1994 c 166 s 3; 1988 c 174 s 1.]
PDF
RCW 43.216.505
Definitions. (Effective August 1, 2030.)
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.559, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901.
(1) "Advisory committee" means the advisory committee under RCW 43.216.520.
(2) "Approved programs" means those state-supported education and special assistance programs which are recognized by the department as meeting the minimum program rules adopted by the department to qualify under RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.550, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901 and are designated as eligible for funding by the department under RCW 43.216.530 and 43.216.540.
(3) "Comprehensive" means an assistance program that focuses on the needs of the child and includes education, health, and family support services.
(4) "Eligible child" means a child who is at least three years old by August 31st of the school year, is not yet age-eligible for kindergarten, is not a participant in a federal or state program providing comprehensive services, and who:
(a) Has a family with an income at or below 50 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size;
(b) Is experiencing homelessness;
(c) Has participated in early head start or a successor federal program providing comprehensive services for children from birth through two years of age, the early support for infants and toddlers program or received class C developmental services, the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program, or the early childhood intervention and prevention services program;
(d) Is eligible for special education due to disability under RCW 28A.155.020;
(e) Is Indian as defined in rule by the department after consultation and agreement with Washington state's federally recognized tribes pursuant to RCW 43.216.5052 and is at or below 100 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size; or
(f) Meets criteria under rules adopted by the department if the number of such children equals not more than 10 percent of the total enrollment in the early childhood program. Preference for enrollment in this group shall be given to children from families with the lowest income, children in foster care, or to eligible children from families with multiple needs.
(5) "Experiencing homelessness" means a child without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as described in the federal McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act (Title 42 U.S.C., chapter 119, subchapter VI, part B) as it existed on January 1, 2021.
(6) "Family support services" means providing opportunities for parents to:
(a) Actively participate in their child's early childhood program;
(b) Increase their knowledge of child development and parenting skills;
(c) Further their education and training;
(d) Increase their ability to use needed services in the community;
(e) Increase their self-reliance; and
(f) Connect with culturally competent, disability positive therapists and supports where appropriate.
[ 2025 c 412 s 2; 2025 c 253 s 3; 2024 c 225 s 2. Prior: 2021 c 199 s 204; 2021 c 67 s 1; 2019 c 408 s 2; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 210; 2014 c 160 s 4; 2014 c 160 s 3; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 s 4; prior: 2010 c 231 s 7; 2006 c 265 s 210; 1999 c 350 s 1; 1994 c 166 s 2; 1990 c 33 s 213; 1988 c 174 s 2; 1985 c 418 s 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.405, 28A.215.110, 28A.34A.020.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2025 c 253 s 3 and by 2025 c 412 s 2, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective dates—2025 c 412 ss 2 and 4: "(1) Section 4 of this act takes effect July 1, 2026.
(2) Section 2 of this act takes effect August 1, 2030." [ 2025 c 412 s 21.]
Conflict with federal requirements—2025 c 412: See note following RCW 43.216.556.
Effective date—2025 c 253 s 3: "Section 3 of this act takes effect August 1, 2030." [ 2025 c 253 s 8.]
Effective dates—2025 c 412; 2024 c 225 ss 2, 4, and 6: "(1) Section 2 of this act [chapter 225, Laws of 2024] takes effect August 1, 2030.
(2) Section 4 of this act [chapter 225, Laws of 2024] takes effect July 1, 2025.
(3) Section 6 of this act [chapter 225, Laws of 2024] takes effect July 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 412 s 23; 2024 c 225 s 7.]
Effective date—2025 c 412; 2021 c 199 ss 204-206 and 403: "(1) Section 403 of this act [chapter 199, Laws of 2021] takes effect July 1, 2026.
(2) Sections 204 through 206 of this act [chapter 199, Laws of 2021] take effect July 1, 2025." [ 2025 c 412 s 22; 2021 c 199 s 604.]
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 204-208: See note following RCW 43.216.513.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
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—2014 c 160 s 4: "Section 4 of this act takes effect June 30, 2018." [ 2014 c 160 s 5.]
Findings—Intent—2013 2nd sp.s. c 16: "The legislature finds that high quality early learning opportunities are an important factor in lifelong success. The legislature is committed to expanding high quality evidence-based early learning opportunities in order to improve educational outcomes. The legislature further finds that moving toward effective and research-based practices are critical in achieving educational and societal outcomes from early learning investments. The legislature intends to continue improvements in early learning through ongoing evaluation, application of emerging research, and enhanced quality assurance. It is the intent of the legislature that additional investments in early learning will be based on current information regarding the most efficient, research-based, and cost-effective investments." [ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 s 1.]
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: "The legislature finds that the early childhood education and assistance program provides for the educational, social, health, nutritional, and cultural development of children at risk of failure when they reach school age. The long-term benefits to society in the form of greater educational attainment, employment, and projected lifetime earnings as well as the savings to be realized, from lower crime rates, welfare support, and reduced teenage pregnancy, have been demonstrated through lifelong research of at-risk children and early childhood programs.
The legislature intends to encourage development of community partnerships for children at risk by authorizing a program of voluntary grants and contributions from business and community organizations to increase opportunities for children to participate in early childhood education." [ 1994 c 166 s 3; 1988 c 174 s 1.]

catchline: Definitions. (Effective until August 1, 2030.)


title: RCW 43.216.5052

text:
(1) The department must consult, and obtain the advice and consent of, the governing bodies of the state's federally recognized tribes in developing an agreed-upon definition of the term "Indian" for the purposes of RCW 43.216.505 and, by July 1, 2024, must adopt the definition in rule.
(2) This section expires December 1, 2030.
[ 2021 c 199 s 207.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 204-208: See note following RCW 43.216.513.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Definition of "Indian"—Rule making. (Expires December 1, 2030.)


title: RCW 43.216.510

text:
The department shall administer a state-supported early childhood education and assistance program to assist eligible children with educational, social, health, nutritional, and cultural development to enhance their opportunity for success in the common school system. Eligible children shall be admitted to approved early childhood programs to the extent that the legislature provides funds, and additional children may be admitted to the extent that grants and contributions from community sources provide sufficient funds for a program equivalent to that supported by state funds. Grants and contributions from community sources shall not supplant the funding required for the full statewide implementation of the early learning program in *RCW 43.215.456.
[ 2017 c 178 s 4; 2006 c 265 s 211; 1994 c 166 s 4; 1988 c 174 s 3; 1985 c 418 s 3. Formerly RCW 43.215.410, 28A.215.120, 28A.34A.030.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.456 was recodified as RCW 43.216.556 pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.
Intent—2017 c 178: See note following RCW 43.216.080.
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

catchline: Admission and funding.


title: RCW 43.216.512

text:
(1) The department shall adopt rules that allow the enrollment of children in the early childhood education and assistance program, as space is available, if the number of such children equals not more than 25 percent of total statewide enrollment, when the child is not eligible under RCW 43.216.505 and has a family income level above 36 percent of the state median income but at or below 50 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size and the child meets at least one of the risk factor criterion described in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) Children enrolled in the early childhood education and assistance program pursuant to this section must be prioritized for available funded slots according to a prioritization system adopted in rule by the department that considers risk factors that have a disproportionate effect on kindergarten readiness and school performance, including:
(a) Family income as a percent of the state median income;
(b) Child welfare system involvement;
(c) Domestic violence;
(d) English as a second language;
(e) Expulsion from an early learning setting;
(f) A parent who is incarcerated;
(g) A parent with a behavioral health treatment need; and
(h) Other risk factors determined by the department to be linked by research to school performance.
(3) Children enrolled in the early childhood education and assistance program under this section are not considered eligible children as defined in RCW 43.216.505 and are not considered to be part of the state-funded entitlement required in RCW 43.216.556.
(4) This section expires August 1, 2030.
[ 2025 c 412 s 12; (2025 c 253 s 4 expired July 1, 2025); 2024 c 225 s 4; (2024 c 225 s 3 expired July 1, 2025); 2021 c 199 s 205; 2019 c 409 s 2; 2019 c 408 s 5; 2018 c 155 s 2.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2025 c 412: See notes following RCW 43.216.556.
Contingent expiration date—2025 c 253 s 4: "(1) Section 4 of this act expires July 1, 2025, if chapter . . . (Senate Bill No. 5752), Laws of 2025 is enacted by July 1, 2025.
(2) Section 4 of this act expires July 1, 2026, if chapter . . . (Senate Bill No. 5752), Laws of 2025 is not enacted by July 1, 2025." [ 2025 c 253 s 10.]
Effective date—2025 c 253: See note following RCW 43.216.513.
Expiration date—2025 c 412; 2024 c 225 ss 3 and 5: "(1) Section 3 of this act [chapter 225, Laws of 2024] expires July 1, 2025.
(2) Section 5 of this act [chapter 225, Laws of 2024] expires July 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 412 s 24; 2024 c 225 s 8.]
Effective dates—2024 c 225 ss 2, 4, and 6: See note following RCW 43.216.505.
Effective date—2025 c 412; 2021 c 199 ss 204-206 and 403: See note following RCW 43.216.505.
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 204-208: See note following RCW 43.216.513.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Contingent effective dates—2019 c 409 ss 1 and 2: "(1) Section 2 of this act takes effect only if chapter 408, Laws of 2019 is enacted by July 28, 2019.
(2) Section 1 of this act takes effect only if section 2 of this act does not take effect by July 28, 2019." [ 2019 c 409 s 3.] Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5437 was enacted into law May 21, 2019.
Contingent effective dates—2019 c 408 ss 4 and 5: "(1) Section 5 of this act takes effect only if chapter 409, Laws of 2019 is enacted by July 28, 2019.
(2) Section 4 of this act takes effect only if section 5 of this act does not take effect by July 28, 2019." [ 2019 c 408 s 13.] Substitute Senate Bill No. 5089 was enacted into law May 21, 2019.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: "The legislature finds that the family income eligibility limit of one hundred ten percent of the federal poverty level for the early childhood education and assistance program hinders the state's ability to recruit and enroll qualified families, particularly in rural areas of the state and in tribal communities. This income barrier results in unused preschool slots and growing waiting lists of children who are from low-income families but who are over the established income limits. Therefore, the legislature intends to keep the qualifying income for the early childhood education and assistance program at one hundred ten percent of the federal poverty level for the purposes of entitlement caseload forecasting and allow for the flexibility to serve additional children with family incomes up to two hundred percent of the federal poverty level." [ 2019 c 408 s 1.]
Effective date—2018 c 155: "This act takes effect July 1, 2018." [ 2018 c 155 s 5.]
Findings—Intent—2018 c 155: "The legislature finds that research continues to demonstrate the efficacy of the state's early childhood education and assistance program, known as ECEAP. Studies in Washington and from other states show that ECEAP prepares children for kindergarten success and has significant positive impacts on third, fourth, and fifth grade test scores. The legislature also finds that in some areas of the state, expanding ECEAP has proven challenging because there are too few eligible children to form an ECEAP classroom. The result is that children who are income eligible and the furthest from opportunity remain unserved. The legislature finds further that in other ECEAP classrooms, funded seats remain empty because providers do not have sufficient flexibility to serve families in need who are slightly over income but often have similar risk factors. The legislature intends, therefore, to provide more flexibility in determining eligibility for ECEAP in order to maximize the state's investment and assure that program funding is deployed to serve the greatest number of children and families." [ 2018 c 155 s 1.]

catchline: Expanded enrollment—Risk factors. (Expires August 1, 2030.)


title: RCW 43.216.513

text:
(1) The department shall adopt rules that allow a three-year-old child who is not eligible under RCW 43.216.505 to enroll in the early childhood education and assistance program, as space is available and subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, when the child:
(a)(i) Has a family income at or below 50 percent of the state median income or meets at least one risk factor criterion adopted by the department in rule; and
(ii) Has received services from or participated in:
(A) The early head start or a successor federal program providing comprehensive services for children from birth through two years of age;
(B) The early support for infants and toddlers program or received class C developmental services;
(C) The birth to three early childhood education and assistance program; or
(D) The early childhood intervention and prevention services program; or
(b) Did not turn three on or before August 31st of the school year, but otherwise meets the definition of eligible child under RCW 43.216.505.
(2) Children enrolled in the early childhood education and assistance program under this section are not eligible children as defined in RCW 43.216.505 and are not part of the state-funded entitlement required in RCW 43.216.556.
[ 2025 c 253 s 5; 2021 c 199 s 206.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 253: "Except as provided in sections 8 and 11 of this act, 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 July 1, 2025." [ 2025 c 253 s 12.]
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 204-208: "(1) The legislature finds that eligibility guidelines for the national school lunch program require free meals for children with household incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level and that this income level is approximately equivalent to 36 percent of the state median income for a household of three. The legislature further finds that eligibility guidelines require reduced-price meals for children with household incomes at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level and that this income level is approximately equivalent to 50 percent of the state median income for a household of three.
(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to raise the maximum family income for children entitled to enroll in the early childhood education and assistance program to 36 percent of the state median income beginning July 1, 2026. Beginning in the 2030-31 school year, the legislature intends to raise the maximum family income for children entitled to enroll in this program to 50 percent of the state median income. It is the intent of the legislature to standardize income eligibility levels for assistance programs in order to help families and social workers better understand the benefits for which families qualify and to simplify and align state systems wherever feasible.
(3) The legislature further intends to support educational service districts to help school districts partner with early childhood education and assistance program contractors and providers to expand access." [ 2021 c 199 s 203.]
Effective date—2021 c 199 ss 204-206 and 403: See note following RCW 43.216.505.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Early entry—Participation in other programs.


title: RCW 43.216.514

text:
(1)(a) The department shall prioritize children for enrollment in the early childhood education and assistance program who are eligible pursuant to RCW 43.216.505.
(b) A child who is eligible at the time of enrollment in the early childhood education and assistance program maintains program eligibility until the child begins kindergarten.
(2) As space is available, children may be included in the early childhood education and assistance program pursuant to RCW 43.216.512.
[ 2021 c 199 s 507; 2020 c 343 s 3; 2019 c 408 s 7; 2018 c 155 s 3.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Short title—2020 c 343: "This act may be known and cited as the rural child care access act." [ 2020 c 343 s 1.]
Findings—Intent—2020 c 343: "(1) The legislature finds that many rural communities face child care and early learning supply shortages due to factors that include geographic isolation and fewer providers. These shortages contribute to economic challenges in the child care market, undermining child care affordability for families and threatening the viability of child care businesses. Families deserve access to a full range of child care and early learning choices and providers need stable funding that is essential to meet high quality standards.
(2)The legislature further finds that while federal child care and development fund rules allow child care subsidy rates to exceed private pay rates in order to pay for quality care and health and safety requirements, state rules require child care subsidy rates to be lower than a provider's private pay rate with limited exceptions. This limitation has the effect of forcing child care providers to raise private pay rates when state subsidy rates go up, resulting in families who do not qualify for subsidy leaving licensed care because it has become unaffordable.
(3) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to implement policies to relieve providers and families by streamlining child care access, balancing subsidy requirements, and supporting the needs of rural communities." [ 2020 c 343 s 2.]
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—2018 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.216.512.

catchline: Enrollment priority.


title: RCW 43.216.515

text:
(1) Approved early childhood education and assistance programs shall receive state-funded support through the department. Public or private organizations including, but not limited to, school districts, educational service districts, community and technical colleges, local governments, or nonprofit organizations, are eligible to participate as providers of the state early childhood education and assistance program.
(2) Funds obtained by providers through voluntary grants or contributions from individuals, agencies, corporations, or organizations may be used to expand or enhance preschool programs so long as program standards established by the department are maintained.
(3) Persons applying to conduct the early childhood education and assistance program shall identify targeted groups and the number of children to be served, program components, the qualifications of instructional and special staff, the source and amount of grants or contributions from sources other than state funds, facilities and equipment support, and transportation and personal care arrangements.
(4) A new early childhood education and assistance program provider must complete the requirements in this subsection to be eligible to receive state-funded support under the early childhood education and assistance program:
(a) Enroll in the early achievers program within thirty days of the start date of the early childhood education and assistance program contract;
(b)(i) Except as provided in (b)(ii) of this subsection, rate at a level 4 or 5 in the early achievers program within twenty-four months of enrollment. If an early childhood education and assistance program provider rates below a level 4 within twenty-four months of enrollment, the provider must complete remedial activities with the department, and must rate at or request to be rated at a level 4 or 5 within twelve months of beginning remedial activities.
(ii) Licensed or certified child care centers, family home providers, and outdoor nature-based child care providers that administer an early childhood education and assistance program shall rate at a level 4 or 5 in the early achievers program within twenty-four months of the start date of the early childhood education and assistance program contract. If an early childhood education and assistance program provider rates below a level 4 within twenty-four months, the provider must complete remedial activities with the department, and must rate at or request to be rated at a level 4 or 5 within twelve months of beginning remedial activities.
(5)(a) If an early childhood education and assistance program provider has successfully completed all of the required early achievers program activities and is waiting to be rated by the deadline provided in this section, the provider may continue to participate in the early achievers program as an approved early childhood education and assistance program provider and receive state subsidy pending the successful completion of a level 4 or 5 rating.
(b) To avoid disruption, the department may allow for early childhood education and assistance program providers who have rated below a level 4 after completion of the twelve-month remedial period to continue to provide services until the current school year is finished.
(c)(i) If the early childhood education and assistance program provider described under subsection (4)(b)(i) or (ii) of this section does not rate or request to be rated at a level 4 or 5 following the remedial period, the provider is not eligible to receive state-funded support under the early childhood education and assistance program under this section.
(ii) If the early childhood education and assistance program provider described under subsection (4)(b)(i) or (ii) of this section does not rate at a level 4 or 5 when the rating is released following the remedial period, the provider is not eligible to receive state-funded support under the early childhood education and assistance program under this section.
(6)(a) When an early childhood education and assistance program in good standing changes classroom locations to a comparable or improved space within the same facility, or to a comparable or improved outdoor location for an outdoor nature-based child care, a rerating is not required outside of the regular rerating and renewal cycle.
(b) When an early childhood education and assistance program in good standing moves to a new facility, or to a new outdoor location for an outdoor nature-based child care, the provider must notify the department of the move within six months of changing locations in order to retain their existing rating. The early achievers program must conduct an observational visit to ensure the new classroom space is of comparable or improved environmental quality. If a provider fails to notify the department within six months of a move, the early achievers rating must be changed from the posted rated level to "Participating, Not Yet Rated" and the provider will cease to receive tiered reimbursement incentives until a new rating is completed.
(7) The department shall collect data periodically to determine the demand for full-day programming for early childhood education and assistance program providers. The department shall analyze this demand by geographic region and shall include the findings in the annual report required under RCW 43.216.089.
(8) The department shall develop multiple pathways for licensed or certified child care centers and homes to administer an early childhood education and assistance program. The pathways shall include an accommodation for these providers to rate at a level 4 or 5 in the early achievers program according to the timelines and standards established in subsection (4)(b)(ii) of this section. The department must consider using the intermediate level that is between level 3 and level 4 as described in RCW 43.216.085, incentives, and front-end funding in order to encourage providers to participate in the pathway.
[ 2021 c 304 s 19; 2020 c 321 s 1; 2019 c 369 s 3; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 9; 1994 c 166 s 5; 1988 c 174 s 4; 1985 c 418 s 4. Formerly RCW 43.215.415, 28A.215.130, 28A.34A.040.]
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.
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

catchline: Eligible providers—State-funded support—Requirements—Data collection—Pathways to early childhood education and assistance program.


title: RCW 43.216.520

text:
The department shall establish an advisory committee composed of interested parents and representatives from the office of the superintendent of public instruction, early childhood education and development staff preparation programs, the head start programs, school districts, and such other community and business organizations as deemed necessary by the department to assist with the establishment of the preschool program and advise the department on matters regarding the ongoing promotion and operation of the program.
[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 211; 2006 c 263 s 413; 1988 c 174 s 5; 1985 c 418 s 5. Formerly RCW 43.215.420, 28A.215.140, 28A.34A.050.]
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.
Findings—Purpose—Part headings not law—2006 c 263: See notes following RCW 28A.150.230.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

catchline: Advisory committee.


title: RCW 43.216.525

text:
(1) The department shall adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW for the administration of the early childhood education and assistance program. Approved early childhood education and assistance programs shall conduct needs assessments of their service area and identify any targeted groups of children, to include but not be limited to children of seasonal and migrant farmworkers and native American populations living either on or off reservation. Approved early childhood education and assistance programs shall provide to the department a service delivery plan, to the extent practicable, that addresses these targeted populations.
(2) The department, in developing rules for the early childhood education and assistance program, shall consult with the early learning advisory council, and shall consider such factors as coordination with existing head start and other early childhood programs, the preparation necessary for instructors, qualifications of instructors, adequate space and equipment, and special transportation needs. The rules shall specifically require the early childhood programs to provide for parental involvement in participation with their child's program, in local program policy decisions, in development and revision of service delivery systems, and in parent education and training.
(3) By January 1, 2016, the department shall adopt rules requiring early childhood education and assistance program employees who have access to children to submit to a fingerprint background check. Fingerprint background check procedures for the early childhood education and assistance program shall be the same as the background check procedures in *RCW 43.215.215.
[ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 8; 1994 c 166 s 6; 1988 c 174 s 6; 1987 c 518 s 101; 1985 c 418 s 6. Formerly RCW 43.215.425, 28A.215.150, 28A.34A.060.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.215 was recodified as RCW 43.216.270 pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: See note following RCW 43.216.505.
Intent—1994 c 166; 1987 c 518: "The long-term social, community welfare, and economic interests of the state will be served by an investment in our children. Conclusive studies and experiences show that providing children with developmental experiences and providing parents with effective parental partnership, empowerment, opportunities for involvement with their child's developmental learning, and expanding parenting skills, learning, and training can greatly improve children's performance in school as well as increase the likelihood of children's success as adults. National studies have also confirmed that special attention to, and educational assistance for, children, their school environment, and their families are the most effective ways in which to meet the state's social and economic goals.
The legislature intends to enhance the readiness to learn of certain children and students by: Providing for an expansion of the state early childhood education and assistance program for children from low-income families and establishing an adult literacy program for certain parents; assisting school districts to establish elementary counseling programs; instituting a program to address learning problems due to drug and alcohol use and abuse; and establishing a program directed at students who leave school before graduation.
The legislature intends further to establish programs that will allow for parental, business, and community involvement in assisting the school systems throughout the state to enhance the ability of children to learn." [ 1994 c 166 s 7; 1987 c 518 s 1.]
Severability—1987 c 518: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1987 c 518 s 411.]

catchline: Rules.


title: RCW 43.216.528

text:
The department shall adopt a rule that requires early childhood education and assistance program contractors and providers to accept birth certificates, passports, and alternative documents to show a child's age or date of birth for the purposes of enrollment. Alternative documents include, but are not limited to, a religious, hospital, or physician's certificate showing the date of birth, an entry in a family bible, an adoption record, an affidavit from a parent, or a previously verified school record.
[ 2025 c 109 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2025 c 109: See note following RCW 70.58A.560.

catchline: Rules—Birth certificates, passports, and alternative documents regarding enrollment.


title: RCW 43.216.530

text:
The department shall review applications from public or private organizations for state funding of early childhood education and assistance programs. The department shall consider local community needs, demonstrated capacity, and the need to support a mixed delivery system of early learning that includes alternative models for delivery including licensed centers, outdoor nature-based child care providers, and licensed family child care providers when reviewing applications.
[ 2021 c 304 s 20; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 10; 2013 c 323 s 7; 1994 c 166 s 8; 1988 c 174 s 7; 1985 c 418 s 7. Formerly RCW 43.215.430, 28A.215.160, 28A.34A.070.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

catchline: Review of applications.


title: RCW 43.216.535

text:
The department shall annually report to the governor and the legislature on the findings of the longitudinal study undertaken to examine and monitor the effectiveness of early childhood educational and assistance services for eligible children to measure, among other elements, if possible, how the average level of performance of children completing this program compare to the average level of performance of all state students in their grade level, and to the average level of performance of those eligible students who did not have access to this program. The evaluation system shall examine how the percentage of these children needing access to special education or remedial programs compares to the overall percentage of children needing such services and compares to the percentage of eligible students who did not have access to this program needing such services.
[ 1995 c 335 s 501; 1994 c 166 s 9; 1988 c 174 s 8; 1985 c 418 s 8. Formerly RCW 43.215.435, 28A.215.170, 28A.34A.080.]
Notes:
Part headings, table of contents not law—1995 c 335: See note following RCW 28A.150.360.
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

catchline: Reports.


title: RCW 43.216.540

text:
For the purposes of RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.550 and 43.216.900 and 43.216.901, the department may award state support under RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.530 to increase the numbers of eligible children assisted by the federal or state-supported early childhood programs in this state. Priority shall be given to those geographical areas which include a high percentage of families qualifying under the "eligible child" criteria. The overall program funding level shall be based on an average grant per child consistent with state appropriations made for program costs: PROVIDED, That programs addressing special needs of selected groups or communities shall be recognized in the department's rules.
[ 2019 c 408 s 11; 1994 c 166 s 10; 1990 c 33 s 214; 1987 c 518 s 102; 1985 c 418 s 9. Formerly RCW 43.215.440, 28A.215.180, 28A.34A.090.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Intent—1994 c 166; 1987 c 518: See note following RCW 43.216.525.
Severability—1987 c 518: See note following RCW 43.216.525.

catchline: State support—Priorities—Program funding levels.


title: RCW 43.216.545

text:
The department from funds appropriated for the administration of the program under chapter 418, Laws of 1985 shall reimburse the expenses of the advisory committee.
[ 1985 c 418 s 10. Formerly RCW 43.215.445, 28A.215.190, 28A.34A.100.]

catchline: Reimbursement of advisory committee expenses.


title: RCW 43.216.550

text:
The department may solicit gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests and devises for the use or benefit of the early childhood state education and assistance program established by RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.550 and 43.216.900 and 43.216.901. The department shall actively solicit support from business and industry and from the federal government for the state early childhood education and assistance program and shall assist local programs in developing partnerships with the community for eligible children.
[ 2019 c 408 s 12; 1994 c 166 s 11; 1990 c 33 s 215; 1988 c 174 s 9; 1985 c 418 s 11. Formerly RCW 43.215.450, 28A.215.200, 28A.34A.110.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.
Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

catchline: Authority to solicit gifts, grants, and support.


title: RCW 43.216.552

text:
(1) The preK promise account is created in the custody of the state treasurer to be used solely and exclusively for the early childhood education and assistance program established in RCW 43.216.510. All receipts from any gifts, grants, or donations received by the secretary for the preK promise account must be deposited into the account. Only the secretary 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.
(2) The department shall track funds received through gifts, grants, or donations separately for each organization or entity that deposits funds into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only to support children in the early childhood education and assistance program established in chapter 43.216 RCW.
(3) Any residue in the account must be accumulated and may not revert to the general fund at the end of the biennium.
[ 2026 c 51 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 51 ss 1 and 2: "Sections 1 and 2 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately." [ 2026 c 51 s 4.]

catchline: PreK promise account.


title: RCW 43.216.555

text:
(1) An early learning program to provide voluntary preschool opportunities for children ages three to five years old who are not age-eligible for kindergarten shall be implemented according to the funding and implementation plan in RCW 43.216.556. The program must offer a comprehensive program of early childhood education and family support, including parental involvement and health information, screening, and referral services, based on family need. Participation in the program is voluntary. On a space available basis, the program may allow enrollment of children who are not otherwise eligible by assessing a fee.
(2) The program shall be implemented by utilizing the program standards and eligibility criteria in the early childhood education and assistance program in RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.550.
(3)(a) The program implementation in this section shall prioritize early childhood education and assistance programs located in low-income neighborhoods within high-need geographical areas.
(b) Following the priority in (a) of this subsection, preference shall be given to programs meeting at least one of the following characteristics:
(i) Programs offering an extended day program for early care and education;
(ii) Programs offering services to children diagnosed with a special need; or
(iii) Programs offering services to children involved in the child welfare system.
(4) The secretary shall adopt rules for the following program components, as appropriate and necessary during the phased implementation of the program, consistent with early achievers program standards established in RCW 43.216.085:
(a) Minimum program standards;
(b) Approval of program providers; and
(c) Accountability and adherence to performance standards.
(5) The department has administrative responsibility for:
(a) Approving and contracting with providers according to rules developed by the secretary under this section;
(b) In partnership with school districts, monitoring program quality and assuring the program is responsive to the needs of eligible children;
(c) Assuring that program providers work cooperatively with school districts to coordinate the transition from preschool to kindergarten so that children and their families are well-prepared and supported; and
(d) Providing technical assistance to contracted providers.
[ 2019 c 408 s 9; 2018 c 155 s 4; 2018 c 58 s 34; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 11; 2010 c 231 s 3. Formerly RCW 43.215.455, 43.215.141.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—2018 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.216.512.
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.

catchline: Early learning program—Voluntary preschool opportunities—Program standards—Prioritizing programs—Rules.


title: RCW 43.216.556

text:
(1) Funding for the program of early learning established under this chapter must be appropriated to the department. The department shall distribute funding to approved early childhood education and assistance program contractors on the basis of eligible children enrolled.
(2) The program shall be implemented in phases, so that full implementation is achieved in the 2030-31 school year.
(3) Funding shall continue to be phased in each year until full statewide implementation of the early learning program is achieved in the 2030-31 school year, at which time any eligible child is entitled to be enrolled in the program. Entitlement under this section is voluntary enrollment.
(4) School districts and approved community-based early learning providers may contract with the department to provide services under the program. The department shall collaborate with school districts, community-based providers, and educational service districts to promote an adequate supply of approved providers.
[ 2025 c 412 s 1; 2021 c 199 s 208; 2019 c 408 s 3; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 22 s 1; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 7 s 12; 2015 c 128 s 4; 2010 c 231 s 4. Formerly RCW 43.215.456, 43.215.142.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2025 c 412: "If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and this finding does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act in its application to the agencies concerned. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state." [ 2025 c 412 s 18.]
Effective date—2025 c 412: "Except for sections 2 and 4 of this act, 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 July 1, 2025." [ 2025 c 412 s 19.]
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 204-208: See note following RCW 43.216.513.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
Finding—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.216.085.

catchline: Early learning program—Funding and statewide implementation.


title: RCW 43.216.559

text:
Chapter 231, Laws of 2010 may be known as the ready for school act of 2010.
[ 2010 c 231 s 9. Formerly RCW 43.215.457, 43.215.143.]

catchline: Early learning program—Short title—2010 c 231.


title: RCW 43.216.565

text:
The legislature finds that the first five years of a child's life establish the foundation for educational success. The legislature also finds that children who have high quality early learning opportunities from birth through age five are more likely to succeed throughout their K-12 education and beyond. The legislature further finds that the benefits of high quality early learning experiences are particularly significant for low-income parents and children, and provide an opportunity to narrow the opportunity gap in Washington's K-12 educational system. The legislature understands that early supports for high-risk parents of young children through home visiting services show a high return on investment due to significantly improved chances of better education, health, and life outcomes for children. The legislature further recognizes that, when parents work or go to school, high quality and full-day early learning opportunities should be available and accessible for their children. In order to improve education outcomes, particularly for low-income children, the legislature is committed to expanding high quality early learning opportunities and integrating currently disparate funding streams for all birth-to-five early learning services including , working connections child care and the early childhood education and assistance program, into a single high quality continuum of learning that provides essential services to low-income families and prepares all enrolled children for success in school. The legislature therefore intends to establish the early start program to provide a continuum of high quality and accountable early learning opportunities for Washington's parents and children.
[ 2013 c 323 s 1. Formerly RCW 43.215.460.]

catchline: Findings—Intent—Early start program.


title: RCW 43.216.567

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer early therapeutic and preventative services and programs, such as the early childhood intervention and prevention services program, and other related services for children who are:
(a) Between the ages of birth and five years; and
(b) Referred by a child welfare worker, a department of social and health services social worker, a primary care physician, a behavioral health provider, or a public health nurse due to: (i) Risk of child abuse or neglect; (ii) exposure to complex trauma; or (iii) significant developmental delays.
(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall make all reasonable efforts to deliver early therapeutic and preventative services and programs statewide. These services and programs must focus first on children and families furthest from opportunity as defined by income and be delivered by programs that emphasize greater racial equity.
[ 2021 c 199 s 405.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 402-405: See note following RCW 43.216.577.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Early therapeutic and preventative services and programs.


title: RCW 43.216.570

text:
The legislature finds that there is an urgent and substantial need to:
(1) Enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities in the state of Washington in order to minimize developmental delay and maximize individual potential and enhance the capability of families to meet the needs of their infants and toddlers with disabilities and maintain family integrity;
(2) Coordinate and enhance the state's existing early intervention services to ensure a statewide, community-based, coordinated, interagency program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families; and
(3) Facilitate the coordination of payment for early intervention services from federal, state, local, and private sources including public and private insurance coverage.
[ 1992 c 198 s 14. Formerly RCW 43.215.470, 70.195.005.]

catchline: Early intervention services—Findings.


title: RCW 43.216.572

text:
For the purposes of implementing this chapter, the governor shall appoint a state interagency coordinating council for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families and ensure that state agencies involved in the provision of, or payment for, early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families shall coordinate and collaborate in the planning and delivery of such services.
No state or local agency currently providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities may use funds appropriated for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities to supplant funds from other sources.
All state and local agencies shall ensure that the implementation of this chapter will not cause any interruption in existing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit the restriction or reduction of eligibility under Title V of the Social Security Act, P.L. 90-248, relating to maternal and child health or Title XIX of the Social Security Act, P.L. 89-97, relating to medicaid for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
[ 2020 c 114 s 6; 2016 c 57 s 1; 1998 c 245 s 125; 1992 c 198 s 15. Formerly RCW 43.215.472, 70.195.010.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Early intervention services—Infants and toddlers with disabilities—Interagency coordinating council—Conditions and limitations.


title: RCW 43.216.574

text:
The state interagency coordinating council for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families shall identify and work with county early childhood interagency coordinating councils to coordinate and enhance existing early intervention services and assist each community to meet the needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
[ 2020 c 114 s 7; 2016 c 57 s 2; 1992 c 198 s 17. Formerly RCW 43.215.474, 70.195.020.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.

catchline: Early intervention services—Infants and toddlers with disabilities—Interagency coordinating council—Coordination with counties and communities.


title: RCW 43.216.576

text:
The department shall enter into formal interagency agreements, where appropriate, with school districts, counties, and other providers, to define their relationships and financial and service responsibilities. Local agencies or entities, including local school districts, counties, and service providers receiving public money for providing or paying for early intervention services shall enter into formal interagency agreements with each other that define their relationships and financial responsibilities to provide services within each county. In establishing priorities, school districts, counties, and other service providers shall give due regard to the needs of children birth to three years of age and shall ensure that they continue to participate in providing services and collaborate with each other. The interagency agreements shall include procedures for resolving disputes, provisions for establishing maintenance requirements, and all additional components necessary to ensure collaboration and coordination.
[ 2020 c 90 s 5; 1992 c 198 s 16. Formerly RCW 43.215.476, 70.195.030.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 90: See note following RCW 43.216.580.

catchline: Early intervention services—Interagency agreements.


title: RCW 43.216.577

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer a prenatal to three family engagement strategy to support expectant parents, babies and toddlers from birth to three years of age, and their caregivers.
(2) Components of the prenatal to three family engagement strategy must include supports and services to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, reduce and mitigate trauma, promote attachment and other social-emotional assets, strengthen parenting skills, and provide early supports to help maximize healthy and robust childhood development and reduce isolation. Services and supports may include:
(a) In-home parent skill-based programs and training established in RCW 43.216.130;
(b) Facilitated play and learn groups;
(c) Parent peer-support groups, including groups designed for families with children with complex needs; families whose primary home language is not English; incarcerated parents; families coping with substance use disorder or mental health support needs; black, indigenous, and families of color; or other specific needs; and
(d) Other prenatal to age three programs and services.
(3) Continuity of services for babies and toddlers are important for early childhood brain development. Therefore, the services and supports described in this section may be made available to biological parents, foster parents, kinship care providers, and other family, friend, and neighbor caregivers.
[ 2021 c 199 s 402.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 402-405: "(1) The legislature finds that parental relationships and healthy interactions in the first few years of life help shape the development of babies' and toddlers' brains and bodies. Eighty percent of the brain is developed by the age of three and parents are a child's first teachers.
(2) The legislature finds that the federal family first prevention services act (P.L. 115-123) offers the state the opportunity to leverage federal funding for certain programs, including in-home parent skill-based programs, substance use disorder support, and mental health interventions. Culturally relevant, evidence-based programs that may qualify for these federal funds are limited. Therefore, state support may be necessary to serve traditionally underrepresented communities and increase positive engagement from parents and caregivers of children from before birth to age three.
(3) The legislature finds that small teacher-child ratios for infant and toddler care, as well as the existence of child care deserts with low levels of access to care for the birth to three age group, contribute to higher expenses for providers and families with babies and young children.
(4) Therefore, the legislature intends to expand parent and family education and support, incentivize the provision of infant and toddler care, and make early therapeutic and preventative services more readily available to families and young children." [ 2021 c 199 s 401.]
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Prenatal to three family engagement strategy.


title: RCW 43.216.578

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer a birth to three early childhood education and assistance program for eligible children under thirty-six months old. Funds to implement the program may include a combination of federal, state, or private sources.
(2) The department may adopt rules to implement the program and may waive or adapt early childhood education and assistance program requirements when necessary to allow for the operation of the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program. The department shall consider early head start rules and regulations when developing the provider and family eligibility requirements and program requirements.
(3)(a) The birth to three early childhood education and assistance program must be delivered through child care centers and family home providers who meet minimum licensing standards and are enrolled in the early achievers program.
(b) The department must determine minimum early achievers ratings scores for participating contractors.
(4)(a) To be eligible for the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program, a child must be under 36 months old and either:
(i) From a family with a household income at or below 50 percent of the state median income; or
(ii) A member of an assistance unit that is eligible for or is receiving basic food benefits under the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program or the state food assistance program.
(b) Enrollment of children in the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program is as space is available and subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose.
[ 2025 c 412 s 4; (2025 c 412 s 3 expired July 1, 2026); 2024 c 225 s 6; (2024 c 225 s 5 expired July 1, 2026); 2021 c 199 s 403; 2019 c 408 s 8.]
Notes:
Expiration date—2025 c 412 s 3: "Section 3 of this act expires July 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 412 s 20.]
Effective dates—2025 c 412 ss 2 and 4: See note following RCW 43.216.505.
Expiration date—2025 c 412; 2024 c 225 ss 3 and 5: See note following RCW 43.216.512.
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2025 c 412: See notes following RCW 43.216.556.
Effective dates—2024 c 225 ss 2, 4, and 6: See note following RCW 43.216.505.
Effective date—2021 c 199 ss 204-206 and 403: See note following RCW 43.216.505.
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 402-405: See note following RCW 43.216.577.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.

catchline: Birth to three early childhood education and assistance program.


title: RCW 43.216.579

text:
(1) The legislature finds that our state suffers from an extreme shortage of infant child care, impacting the ability of parents to participate in the workforce. Further, parents returning to work after using paid family leave to care for a new child struggle to find readily available, high quality care during a time of critical growth and brain development for young children. Therefore, the legislature intends to incentivize the provision of high quality infant care.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2022, the department shall provide an infant rate enhancement for licensed or certified child care providers and birth to three early childhood education and assistance program contractors who are:
(a) Accepting state subsidy;
(b) In good standing with the early achievers quality rating and improvement system; and
(c) Caring for a child between the ages of birth and 11 months.
(3) The department must adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2021 c 199 s 404.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 402-405: See note following RCW 43.216.577.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Infant child care incentives.


title: RCW 43.216.580

text:
(1) The department is the state lead agency for Part C of the federal individuals with disabilities education act. The department shall administer the early support for infants and toddlers program, to provide early intervention services to all eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age. Eligibility shall be determined according to Part C of the federal individuals with disabilities education act or other applicable federal and state laws, and as specified in the Washington Administrative Code adopted by the department. Services provided under this section shall not supplant services or funding currently provided in the state for early intervention services to eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age.
(2)(a) Funding for the early support for infants and toddlers program shall be appropriated to the department based on the annual average head count of children ages birth to three who are eligible for and receiving early intervention services, multiplied by the total statewide allocation generated by the distribution formula under RCW 28A.150.260 (4)(a), (5), (6), and (8) and the allocation under RCW 28A.150.415, per the statewide full-time equivalent enrollment in common schools, multiplied by the multiplier used in RCW 28A.150.390(2)(a).
(b) The department shall distribute funds to early intervention services providers, and, when appropriate, to county lead agencies.
(c) For the purposes of this subsection (2), a child is receiving early intervention services if the child has received services within the same month as the monthly count day, which is the last business day of the month.
(3) Federal funds associated with Part C of the federal individuals with disabilities education act shall be subject to payor of last resort requirements pursuant to 34 C.F.R. Sec. 303.510 (2020) for birth-to-three early intervention services provided under this section.
(4) The services in this section are not part of the state's program of basic education pursuant to Article IX of the state Constitution.
[ 2025 c 368 s 5; 2024 c 284 s 1; 2020 c 90 s 1; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 216; 2016 c 57 s 3; 2007 c 115 s 7; 2006 c 269 s 2. Formerly RCW 28A.155.065.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 368 ss 1 and 5: See note following RCW 28A.150.390.
Effective date—2020 c 90: "This act takes effect September 1, 2020." [ 2020 c 90 s 10.]
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.
Conflict with federal requirements—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6: See RCW 43.216.908.
Finding—2006 c 269: "The legislature finds an urgent and substantial need to enhance the development of all infants and toddlers with disabilities in Washington in order to minimize developmental delays and to maximize individual potential for learning and functioning." [ 2006 c 269 s 1.]

catchline: Early intervention services—Funding.


title: RCW 43.216.585

text:
(1) For the 2021-22 school year, rates for the early childhood education and assistance program must be set at a level at least 10 percent higher than the rates established in section 225, chapter 415, Laws of 2019.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature that rate increases shall be informed by the department's 2020 early childhood education and assistance program rate study.
(3) This section expires June 30, 2027.
[ 2021 c 199 s 302.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Program rates. (Expires June 30, 2027.)


title: RCW 43.216.587

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer two complex needs funds to promote inclusive, least restrictive environments and to support contractors and providers serving children who have developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral needs, or other unique needs. The department shall work collaboratively with the office of the superintendent of public instruction and providers to best serve children. One fund must support early childhood education and assistance program contractors and providers and birth to three early childhood education and assistance program contractors and providers, and one fund must support licensed or certified child care providers and license-exempt child care programs.
(2) Support may include staffing, programming, therapeutic services, and equipment or technology support. Additional support may include activities to assist families with children expelled or at risk of expulsion from child care, and to help families transition in and out of child care.
[ 2021 c 199 s 303.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Complex needs funds.


title: RCW 43.216.590

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall provide supports to aid eligible providers in providing trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care supports may be used by eligible providers for the following purposes:
(a) Additional compensation for individual staff who have an infant and early childhood mental health or other child development specialty credential;
(b) Trauma-informed professional development and training;
(c) The purchase of screening tools and assessment materials;
(d) Supportive services for children with complex needs that are offered as fee-for-service within local communities; or
(e) Other related expenses.
(2) This section does not interfere with, impede, or in any way diminish the right of family child care providers to bargain collectively with the state through the exclusive bargaining representatives as provided for under RCW 41.56.153.
(3) The department must adopt rules to implement this section.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "eligible provider" means: (a) An employee or owner of a licensed or certified child care center or outdoor nature-based care accepting state subsidy; (b) an employee or owner of a licensed family home provider accepting state subsidy; (c) a contractor or provider of the early childhood education and assistance program or birth to three early childhood education and assistance program; (d) a license-exempt child care program; or (e) an early achievers coach.
[ 2025 c 412 s 9; 2021 c 199 s 304.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2025 c 412: See notes following RCW 43.216.556.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Trauma-informed care supports.


title: RCW 43.216.592

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall establish a dual language designation and provide subsidy rate enhancements or site-specific grants for licensed or certified child care providers who are accepting state subsidy or early childhood education and assistance program contractors; or birth to three early childhood education and assistance program contractors. It is the intent of the legislature to allow uses of rate enhancements or site-specific grants to include increased wages for individual staff who provide bilingual instruction, professional development training, the purchase of dual language and culturally appropriate curricula and accompanying training programs, instructional materials, or other related expenses.
(2) The department must consult with a culturally and linguistically diverse stakeholder advisory group to develop criteria for the dual language designation.
(3) This section does not interfere with, impede, or in any way diminish the right of family child care providers to bargain collectively with the state through the exclusive bargaining representatives as provided for under RCW 41.56.153.
(4) The department must adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2025 c 412 s 11; 2021 c 199 s 305.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2025 c 412: See notes following RCW 43.216.556.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Dual language designation—Rate enhancement.


title: RCW 43.216.595

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall distribute early childhood equity grants to eligible applicants. Eligible applicants include play and learn groups, licensed or certified child care centers and family home providers, license-exempt child care programs, and early childhood education and assistance program contractors. The equity grants are intended to serve as a step toward expanding access to early learning statewide and transforming Washington's early learning system to make it more inclusive and equitable. The department shall administer the early childhood equity grants to support inclusive and culturally and linguistically specific early learning and early childhood and parent support programs across the state.
(2) The department must conduct an equitable process to prioritize grant applications for early childhood equity grant assistance. An eligible applicant may receive an early childhood equity grant once every two years. When conducting the equitable grant process, the department must:
(a) Solicit project applications from a racially and geographically diverse pool of eligible applicants statewide;
(b) Provide application materials in the five most commonly spoken languages in the state and broadly communicate using a variety of strategies to reach diverse communities;
(c) Require applicants to demonstrate their proposed uses of early childhood equity grant funds to incorporate either inclusive practices or culturally and linguistically supportive and relevant practices, or both, into early learning program design, delivery, education, training, and evaluation; and
(d) Provide technical assistance to any applicant who needs it.
[ 2021 c 199 s 307.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Early childhood equity grants.


title: RCW 43.216.597

text:
Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department, in consultation with community-based programs, shall provide or contract to provide, or both, resources and supports for inclusive and culturally and linguistically relevant play and learn groups. Play and learn groups offer parents and other caregivers culturally responsive opportunities to support their children's early learning, build relationships that reduce isolation and encourage socialization, and promote kindergarten readiness.
[ 2021 c 199 s 310.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Play and learn groups—Resources and supports.


title: RCW 43.216.600

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall provide professional development supports to aid eligible providers in reaching the professional education and training standards adopted by the department. Professional development supports may include:
(a) Department-required trainings for child care providers conducted by department-approved trainers;
(b) Trainings for license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor child care providers conducted by department-approved trainers;
(c) Early achievers scholarships;
(d) Community-based training pathways and systems developed under RCW 43.216.755;
(e) Supporting a nonprofit organization that provides relationship-based professional development support to family, friend, and neighbor caregivers, child care centers, and licensed family home providers, and their work to help providers start their businesses; and
(f) Other professional development activities such as updating training content, data collection and reporting, trainer recruitment, retention, program monitoring, and trainings delivered by department-approved trainers on topics such as small business management, antibias and antiracist training, providing care for children with developmental disabilities, social-emotional learning, implementing inclusionary practices in early learning environments, infant and toddler care, dual language program development, and providing trauma-informed care.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "eligible provider" means: (a) An owner of a licensed or certified child care center, licensed or certified outdoor nature-based care, or licensed family home provider accepting state subsidy; (b) an employee of a licensed or certified child care center, licensed or certified outdoor nature-based care, or a licensed family home provider; (c) a contractor or provider of the early childhood education and assistance program or birth to three early childhood education and assistance program; or (d) an early achievers coach.
[ 2021 c 199 s 311.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Professional development supports.