Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Early Learning & Human Services Committee |
HB 1228
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: Exempting certain family day care providers who have been operating for at least five years from any requirement to have a high school diploma or equivalent education.
Sponsors: Representative Hunt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/13
Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092).
Background:
A family day care provider regularly provides child day care and early learning services to 12 or fewer children in the provider's home. Unless exempt, a family day care provider must meet minimum licensing requirements in order to operate. Certain family members, relatives, and friends are exempt from the licensing requirement.
Beginning March 31, 2012, initial applicants for a child care license must have a high school diploma or written evidence of an equivalent education. Written evidence of an equivalent education includes successful completion of General Educational Development (GED) tests, completion of 12 years of elementary and secondary education, possession of a current Child Development Associate credential; or completion of 45 credits of post-secondary education.
Family child care providers who were licensed before March 31, 2012 have until March 31, 2017 to meet the education requirements for licensing.
Summary of Bill:
Family day care providers who have been licensed and in operation for five years or longer and against whom there has been no complaint resulting in an enforcement action against the provider are exempt from meeting the educational requirement of a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.