Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Human Services & Early Learning Committee

SSB 6297

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: Recognizing the experience of existing early learning providers to meet educational requirements.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Padden, Wellman, Wagoner, Wilson, C., Hawkins, Billig and Zeiger).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Allows certain early learning providers to meet education requirements through experience-based demonstrated competence.

Hearing Date: 2/25/20

Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).

Background:

Rules for child care licensing require early learning providers to meet certain education requirements or their equivalent by August 2024 or within five to seven years of the person's date of hire or promotion, depending on the position.

Most positions will require a certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE), which may be earned at a community or technical college. An ECE certificate may be earned as initial, short, or full state certificate, and the level of the certificate required depends on the staff position.

Summary of Bill:

The DCYF must allow early learning providers who are required to have an ECE initial or short certificate, or both, the option of meeting the certificate requirement through experience-based demonstrated competence (EBDC).

A provider is eligible to demonstrate his or her competence if the provider has:

  1. been employed by a licensed child care center or family home for seven years by August 1, 2024; and

  2. completed all training that was required during the seven years, including in-service requirements and health and safety training.

The EBDC is portable between facilities. The DCYF must review applications for EBDC on a quarterly basis.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.