Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
HB 2814
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Developing best practices for the child care industry as recommended by the child care workforce commission.
Sponsors: Representatives Ortiz-Self, Chopp, Frame, Senn, Callan, Sells, Pollet, Stonier, Davis, Gregerson, Valdez, Bergquist, Slatter and Macri.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/20
Staff: Lily Smith (786-7175).
Background:
Child Care Providers.
Licensed family home child care providers provide care for 12, or fewer, children in the home of the licensed provider. Licensed child care centers provide regularly scheduled care for a group of children. Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN) providers are relatives providing care in their own home or that of the child, or nonrelatives providing care in the child's home. FFN providers are not required to be licensed, but are required to complete a background check.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is the state's voluntary preschool program for three- and four-year-olds. The ECEAP provides comprehensive services, sometimes referred to as "wraparound services," that include education, health and nutrition, and family support for participating children and their families.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) regulates child care licensing and is responsible for maintaining a set of core competencies for child care and early learning providers. The DCYF also administers the ECEAP.
Child care providers serving low income families may be eligible for subsidies. DCYF establishes subsidy rates by region.
Statewide Child Care Resource Referral Network.
The DCYF must work in conjunction with a statewide child care resource and referral network to compile data about local child care needs and availability and provide training and technical assistance to child care providers.
Early Achievers.
Early Achievers (EA) is Washington's Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care and early learning. Participation in EA is mandatory for all providers serving non-school-age children and accepting state subsidy payments. Each participant is assigned a coach who provides technical assistance and helps the participant prepare for the EA rating process.
Educational Service Districts.
Educational Service Districts (ESDs) are regional agencies that provide cooperative and informational services to Washington's schools and school districts, and assist the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the state Board of Education in their duties. Washington has nine ESDs.
Summary of Bill:
Child Care Workforce Commission Created.
The Child Care Workforce Commission (Commission) is created within the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), to consist of the following commissioners appointed by the Governor:
three recommended licensed family home care providers;
three recommended licensed child care center representatives;
two teachers representing an early childhood education and assistance program or federal program providing comprehensive services;
one FFN caregiver from a recommended list;
one parent of a child in or recently in licensed child care;
two representatives of a labor union or professional organization for child care providers;
one EA coach;
one representative of a tribal government in the business of child care;
one representative of the statewide child care resource and referral network;
one representative of an advocacy organization representing parents;
two representatives from advocacy organizations for racial equity and diversity;
one representative from an educational service district;
two representatives from DCYF, at least one being a child care licensor; and
one representative of the Office of Financial Management.
At least one of the family home care providers and one of the child care representatives must: (1) provide care for children of agricultural workers; (2) speak Spanish as a first language; or (3) be located east of the Cascades.
Costs.
Administrative and staff support must come from the L&I.
Commissioners' travel expenses must be reimbursed. Licensed family and center care providers must be reimbursed for the costs of substitutes during Commission meetings and travel.
Commission Responsibilities.
The Commission must create best practice standards for the child care center industry that include:
wage levels for various provider occupations;
benefits; and
professional development assistance.
The standards may vary by region, and must be updated at least once every two years.
The Commission must hold public listening sessions at least once every two years in each child care subsidy region, for the purpose of understanding regional differences, economic and social dynamics, and workforce development needs.
The Commission must submit, in collaboration with L&I, biennial budget requests to OFM identifying the level of funding necessary for implementation of the best practice standards. The Governor is encouraged to include a request for the necessary funds in his or her biennial budget submission to the Legislature.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.