WSR 16-15-052

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed July 15, 2016, 10:50 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revising Title 170 WAC; revising chapter 170-06 and 170-290 WAC; creating new WAC chapter for the regulation of the family, friends and neighbors (FFN) program.

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 Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (S.1086) requires changes to the FFN program. Program participants will be required to comply with background check, monitoring, health and safety training and other requirements as determined by the agency. Pertinent sections of chapter 170-290 WAC may be moved to the new WAC chapter, and revisions may be necessary for chapter 170-06 WAC and other chapters for consistency. Those issues will be determined at a later date. This rule making will promote the health and safety of children and keep the agency in compliance with federal requirements.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: As appropriate, the department of early learning (DEL) will coordinate development of these rules with the state department of social and health services, the state department of health, Washington state patrol, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, state department of education, state fire marshal's office, and the United States Administration for Children and Families.

Process for Developing New Rule: To the extent practicable, DEL intends to seek stakeholder and 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, fax (360) 725-4925, or by writing to the DEL Rules Coordinator, Department of Early Learning, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970.

July 15, 2016

Saul Olivarez

Rules Coordinator