WSR 14-02-115

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 2, 2014, 8:22 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revising early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP) eligibility, enrollment, and staff qualifications rules, including but not limited to WAC 170-100-080 Eligibility for services and 170-100-090 Staff qualifications.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 43.215 RCW and in particular RCW 43.215.020 and 43.215.425.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The ECEAP Performance Standards Section B: Enrollment and eligibility have been clarified. The related ECEAP rules need to be brought into alignment with the standards. The ECEAP Performance Standards Section C: Human resources are being revised. The related ECEAP rules need to be brought into alignment with the standards.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: To the extent practicable, the department of early learning (DEL) intends to seek public input during the rule drafting and development process. At a later date, DEL will file proposed rules (more than one proposed rule-making notice may be filed), hold a public hearing or hearings, and accept written comments before adopting permanent rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Individuals and organizations wishing to receive draft and proposed materials may join a DEL rules mailing list by contacting the DEL rules coordinator at Rules@del.wa.gov, by fax (360) 586-0533, or by writing to the DEL Rules Coordinator, Department of Early Learning, P.O. Box 40972, Olympia, WA 98504-0972.

January 2, 2014

Matt Judge

Rules Coordinator