WSR 15-06-040

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 26, 2015, 3:16 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 170-290 WAC, amending sections including, but not limited to, WAC 170-290-003 [170-290-0003], 170-290-0005, 170-290-0012, 170-290-0095, 170-290-0135, 170-290-3665, and 170-290-3840, and adding new sections, separating child care subsidy program eligibility from benefit calculation.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.215.060, 43.215.070, chapter 43.215 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The current child care subsidy program application process requires consumers to identify a provider within thirty days of applying for benefits. Consumers who fail to do so must reapply and their applications must be reprocessed. Allowing consumers to complete the application process prior to choosing a child care provider will simplify and streamline the application process and make it more efficient and user friendly so families receive the care they need.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The state department of social and health services jointly administers the working connections child care and seasonal child care subsidy programs. The department of early learning (DEL) must follow United States Administration for Children and Families - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations consistent with the state's CCDF plan. DEL plans to coordinate rule development with these state and federal agencies.

Process for Developing New Rule: To the extent practicable, 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. 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, DEL, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970.

February 26, 2015

Matt Judge

Rules Coordinator