WSR 14-16-106

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed August 6, 2014, 9:12 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapters 170-295, 170-296A and 170-297 WAC, regarding the durations of basic state training and registry system (STARS) training.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 43.215 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rule making is needed to remove language specifying the duration of basic STARS training in order to implement the new STARS curriculum, which requires thirty hours to complete. Whereas, existing WAC language specifies that basic STARS training has a twenty hour duration. The new STARS curriculum for providers contains additional training on safe sleep practices for infants to prevent sleep related incidents. Further, the new curriculum incorporates new research, updated child guidance training aligned with best practices, and additional information tied to early brain and biological development, and is aligned with department of early learning's (DEL) child care quality framework.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making; and DEL intends to engage in negotiated rule making as to chapter 170-296A WAC. Otherwise, and to the extent practicable, DEL intends to seek stakeholder 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, fax (360) 725-4925, or by writing to the DEL Rules Coordinator, DEL, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970.

August 6, 2014

Matt Judge

Rules Coordinator