SB 6345 - DIGEST

     Recognizes that:  (1) Child care and early education are an important part of the daily lives of Washington families;

     (2) the state is involved in many child care and early education programs that are administered through at least five state agencies;

     (3) a more cohesive and integrated early learning and youth care system would result in greater efficiencies for the state and greater accessibility for the families that the programs are intended to serve; and

     (4) an effective system of governance would provide leadership and vision lacking in the current fragmented system.

     Finds that the early years of a child's life are critical to the child's healthy brain development and that the quality of caregiving during the early years can significantly impact the child's intellectual and emotional growth and social adjustment.

     Declares that the purpose of this act is to establish the office of child care and early education, the purpose of which is to coordinate and consolidate child care and early learning programs.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.