Subject of Possible Rule Making: Working connections child care program, licensing—Foster care, and child care.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.15.030, 43.216.055, 43.216.065, and 43.216.250.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules will expand viability of dual licensure for foster family homes and family home child cares. Rules will authorize payment of foster care reimbursement and child care subsidy benefits for a particular child to the dual license holder who is the child's foster care and child care provider.

The rules are needed to create more child care options within communities, increase placement options for children needing foster care, and provide a more stable experience for the child through continuity of care.

The department of children, youth, and families (DCYF) expects the rules will remove significant barriers for individuals who are willing to license their homes for foster care and child care while maintaining appropriate oversight regarding the safety and health of children. These expectations are supported by the results of an ongoing pilot that DCYF began on January 2, 2021. Out of 35 total pilot participants, 13 have become dually licensed so far. Those dual licenses have created 28 new child care slots and 16 new child care placement options.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Michelle D. Giard, phone 509-312-1302, email michelle.giard@dcyf.wa.gov, website https://dcyf.wa.gov, https://dcyf.wa.gov/practice/policy-laws-rules/rule-making/participate/online.