Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 1364

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Providing for child care center subsidy increases.

Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Walsh, Eddy, Springer, Appleton, Goodman, Roberts, Kagi, Kenney and Santos.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Establishes a structure to increase child care subsidies and the availability of quality child care when the Office of Financial Management certifies that it is economically feasible to do so.

Hearing Date: 2/1/11

Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7120).

Background:

Overview.

The state subsidizes child care for low-income families through a program called Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).  Subsidy payments go directly to child care providers. Families make a co-payment to receive child care while they work or receive training for work.  Subsidy rates vary by geographic location and age of the child and other factors. According to a Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee (JLARC) report released in July 2010, approximately 36,000 families access subsidized child care.

Role of the Department of Early Learning.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is the lead agency that receives federal funds specifically allocated for child care.  The DEL sets child care subsidy policy in Washington.  The DEL works with other agencies to establish subsidy rates paid to child care providers and the monthly co-payments that families are required to pay.  

Affordability and Accessibility of Subsidized Child Care.

Recent JLARC Findings.

The JLARC released its review of the DEL in July 2010. The report included an examination of the extent to which subsidized child care is affordable and available to low-income families in Washington.  The JLARC found:

Changes to WCCC eligibility requirements.

The WCCC eligibility has been restricted recently.  As of February 1, 2011, the DEL estimates that approximately 6,500 families will be affected by the eligibility restrictions.

Child Care Quality Standards.

Washington State's Quality Rating and Improvement System is called Seeds to Success. Seeds to Success is being field tested from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011.

Summary of Bill:

The DEL is required to:

Child care center subsidy rates will:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 19, 2011.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.