SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5821

BYSenators Rinehart, Bailey and Murray

Directing the department of community development to develop a model intergenerational child care program.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 8, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bender, Benitz, Fleming, Gaspard, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

                  January 30, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 29, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Studies have shown that teenage pregnancy and becoming a teenage parent is a significant factor causing some teenage girls to drop out of school.  Innovative methods of combining community resources and having the different generations work together have been suggested as one way of strengthening communities by helping teenage mothers remain or return to school and using the skills of members of the community including elders.

SUMMARY:

A model intergenerational child care program is created.  The Department of Community Development shall develop the program.  The program provides child care to children under five whose mothers are under the age of 18.  Other features of the program include involving persons such as elders and college students, seeking multiple funding sources, and using existing community resources. 

The program shall be located in an area that has a higher than average teenage pregnancy rate.

The Department of Community Development shall work with other state agencies and local and federal agencies in developing the program.

Appropriation:    $49,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 7, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Denise Klein, Generations United (pro); Lonnie Johns-Brown, Washington State NOW (pro); Mary Frost, Department of Community Development