HB 1723 - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Creates a legislative task force on early learning to review existing funding sources, program goals, and restrictions associated with different funding streams for early learning programs and services as identified by the technical working group.

Requires the department of early learning to: (1) Annually review rates for child care and early childhood education and assistance programs and recommend rates to the legislature based on market rates and the annual rate of inflation; and

(2) Increase the base slot rate for early childhood education and assistance programs to align with the Washington head start program slot rate.

Requires the legislature to: (1) Appropriate funding for the specific purpose of home visiting and parent and caregiver support; and

(2) Fund the expansion in the early childhood education and assistance program and working connections child care.