(1) An early learning provider must complete ten hours of annual in-service training after twelve months of cumulative employment.

(a) Family home licensees, center directors, assistant directors, program supervisors, lead teachers, and assistant teachers must complete the department enhancing quality of early learning (EQEL) in-service training within thirty-six months of being hired in a licensed facility, unless the provider has completed a department approved alternative training. EQEL hours may count towards the ten hours of annual in-service training.

(b) Every thirty-six months, following the completion of EQEL or a department approved alternative training, family home licensees, center directors, assistant directors, and program supervisors, must complete a minimum of ten hours of in-service training "child development" and a minimum of ten hours of in-service training on "leadership practices."

(i) Child development training includes the following Washington state core competencies: Child growth and development, curriculum and learning environment, ongoing measurements of child progress, family and community partnerships, health, safety, nutrition, and interactions.

(ii) Leadership practices training includes the following Washington state core competencies: Program planning and development, professional development, and leadership.

(2) In-service training requirements of this chapter may be met by completing college courses that align with the Washington state core competencies. These courses must be delivered by a postsecondary institution and approved by the department.

(3) Only five in-service training hours that exceed the requirements of subsection (1) of this section may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next fiscal year.