Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In accordance with RCW 43.216.255, chapter 110-300 WAC, Foundational quality standards for early learning programs, was adopted in 2018 and took effect August 1, 2019. The department must now align school age child care standards with the foundational quality standards in chapter 110-300 WAC, to ensure consistent health and safety standards that promote quality care in all licensed early learning programs.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care administers the federal child care development fund (CCDF) and ensures that Washington and all other states receiving CCDF appropriations comply with federal requirements. The department of children, youth, and families (DCYF) submits a CCDF plan every three years to the Office of Child Care that serves as a grant application and describes how DCYF will comply with federal CCDF participation requirements. DCYF engages in any necessary rule making to implement the plan once it is approved. DCYF also collaborates with and seeks approval from the state department of health on rules covering health and environmental standards.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Tyler Farmer, P.O. Box 40975, Olympia, WA 98504-0975, phone 360-628-2151, email tyler.farmer@dcyf.wa.gov, website www.dcyf.wa.gov, www.dcyf.wa.gov/practice/policy-laws-rules/rule-making/participate/online.