Finds that the education of children who are deaf presents unique challenges because deafness is a low-incidence disability and because deafness significantly impacts the child's ability to access communication at home, at school, and in the community.

Finds that since the founding of the school for the deaf, there have been numerous advances in technology as well as a growing awareness about the importance of delivering services to children in a variety of modalities to support their early and continued access to communication.

Declares an intent to enhance the coordination of regionally delivered services and supports for children who are deaf and hearing impaired and to promote more communication-rich learning environments for these children.

Establishes at Vancouver, Clark county, the Washington state center for childhood deafness which shall be housed at and include the school and related facilities formerly known as the state school for the deaf.

Declares that the center's primary functions shall be: (1) Managing and supervising the school and the applied research center located at the center;

(2) Providing statewide leadership and support for the coordination of regionally delivered education services in the full range of communication modalities, for children who are deaf and hearing impaired; and

(3) Collaborating with public and private partners in the development and operation of an applied research center for the training and professional development of educators serving children who are deaf and hearing impaired.

Abolishes the state school for the deaf and its powers, duties, and functions are hereby transferred to the Washington state center for childhood deafness. All references to the superintendent or the state school for the deaf in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the superintendent or the Washington state center for childhood deafness.