PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Division of Child Care and Early Learning (DCCEL) is establishing minimum licensing requirements (MLRs) for child care centers caring exclusively for school-age children. This action includes repealing all sections in chapter 388-151 WAC and creating a new chapter 388-297 WAC. The sections of this WAC are being repealed so that it can [be] reorganized and rewritten in clear rule language and components of each section clarified.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 74.15 RCW, RCW 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Minimum licensing requirements for school-age child care centers are necessary to protect and promote the health, safety, and well being of children in out-of-home care. The intent of moving these rules to chapter 388-295 WAC is to reorganize and clarify minimum licensing requirements to make it easier for child care providers to follow the MLRs.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Health-Immunization Program; Washington State Patrol (State Fire Marshal); and Division of Labor and Industries (minor work laws, first aid and CPR, blood-borne pathogens, electrical).
Process for Developing New Rule: All interested parties are invited to review and provide input on the changes to the draft language. Interested parties can obtain draft material by contacting the identified representatives below. Draft materials will be sent to several key stakeholders in the school age care community including the Child Care Coordinating Committee, the Licensing Subcommittee, the Health and Safety Subcommittee, Child Care Resource and Referral, Healthy Child Care Washington, child care nurse consultants in all local health jurisdictions and interdisciplinary workgroups including child care providers. Postcards will be sent to each school-age child care center in the state of Washington announcing the proposed change and location on the DCCEL internet site for review and comment.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Liz Egge, Licensing Program Manager, Division of Child Care and Early Learning, P.O. Box 45480, Olympia, WA 98504-5480, phone (360) 413-3134, fax (360) 413-3482, e-mail Eggeeh@dshs.wa.gov, Street Address: 1009 College Street, Lacey, WA 98503.
September 18, 2003
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit