SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5412

                    As of January 19, 1996

Title:  An act relating to daycare employees.

Brief Description:  Providing a subsidy for daycare center employees.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl, Prentice, Fairley and Heavey.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/7/95; 1/24/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Jodi Walker (786-7464)

Background:  According to Child Care Rates in Washington State, published by the Department of Social and Health Services, the average salary for teachers in child care centers in 1992 was $6.55.

Child care centers provide child care for periods of less than 24 hours and are licensed as daycare centers under RCW 74.15.020. 

It is argued that low wages for child care center employees, particularly teachers, result in a high turnover rate for employees, reduce the incentive to gain additional education and training, and limit the number of persons interested in employment in child care centers.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services must establish a wage ladder for employees of licensed, nonprofit child care centers that have no religious affiliation.  Child care centers are required to increase an employee's wages based on the amount of work experience and the level of education of an employee. 

In addition, the department reimburses 50 percent of any job-related educational tuition costs incurred by child care center employees.

The department shall:  (1) establish eligibility and program standards and child care center participation requirements; and (2) operate the wage subsidy program within the appropriation provided for this purpose.  

Appropriation:  Unspecified.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.