WSR 14-21-140 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF EARLY LEARNING [Filed October 21, 2014, 9:05 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 14-15-137.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 170-290-0001 Purpose and intent, providing that working connections child care (WCCC) administered through the early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP) shall follow ECEAP performance standards and contracts.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Early Learning (DEL), Olympia Office, 1110 Jefferson Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, on November 26, 2014, at 2:30 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than November 26, 2014.
Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, DEL, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970, e-mail rules@del.wa.gov, fax (360) 725-4925, by November 26, 2014.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact DEL rules coordinator by November 12, 2014, (360) 725-4523.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: To allow DEL to serve up to twenty percent of the WCCC households in full-day preschool through contracted slots by contracting with ECEAP providers as authorized by the 2014 supplemental budget. Also, to specify that no provision [of] the affected section shall be interpreted contrary to RCW 43.215.250.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: DEL is expanding ECEAP. ECEAP expansion slots will be prioritized for full day services made possible by braiding ECEAP funding with WCCC funding, the combined funds issued in single contracts to ECEAP contractors. Language is needed in chapter 170-290 WAC distinguishing the legal framework of WCCC administered through ECEAP contracts and the framework of those administered by DSHS through vouchers.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 43.215 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: DEL, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Matt Judge, Subsidy Policy Supervisor, DEL State Office, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 407-1999; Implementation and Enforcement: DEL licensing offices, statewide.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rules are not expected to impose new costs on businesses that are required to comply. If the rules result in costs, those costs are not expected to be "more than minor" as defined in chapter 19.85 RCW.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. DEL is not among the agencies listed as required to comply with RCW 34.05.328.
October 21, 2014
Elizabeth M. Hyde
Director
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 11-18-001, filed 8/24/11, effective 9/24/11)
WAC 170-290-0001 Purpose and intent.
(1) This chapter establishes the requirements for eligible families to receive subsidized child care through the working connections child care (WCCC) and seasonal child care (SCC) programs as administered by DSHS under applicable state and federal law, to the extent of available funds. WCCC administered through the early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP) shall follow ECEAP performance standards and contracts. As used in chapter 170-290 WAC, "to the extent of available funds" includes one or more of the following:
(a) Limiting or closing enrollment;
(b) Establishing a priority list for new enrollees subject to applicable state and federal law; or
(c) Creating and maintaining a waiting list.
(2) The purpose of WCCC, as provided in part II of this chapter, is to:
(a) Assist eligible families in obtaining child care subsidies for approvable activities that enable them to work, attend training, or enroll in educational programs; and
(b) Consider the health and safety of children while they are in care and receiving child care subsidies.
(3) The purpose of SCC, as provided in part III of this chapter, is to:
(a) Assist eligible families who are seasonally employed in agriculturally related work to pay for licensed child care; and
(b) Consider the health and safety of children while they are in care and receiving child care subsidies.
(4) No provision of this section shall be interpreted contrary to RCW 43.215.250.
|