FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 2191

C 9 L 14

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning compliance with inspections of child care facilities.

Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Scott, Shea, Taylor, Short and Overstreet).

House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) licenses child care family homes and child care centers. Licensing activities include trainings, including first aid and CPR training, criminal background checks, and health and safety checks.

Family home child care providers offer care in the home where they live. Family home providers can care for up to 12 children through age 12. Prior to becoming licensed, a family home provider must obtain a business license, comply with locally established city ordinances, and make a request to the local fire department to seek assistance in planning evacuations and emergency procedures. If the local fire department does not provide this service, the child care family home licensee must provide documentation that the request was made. Family home providers receive licensing monitoring visits every 18 months. Only areas of the home that are used for child care are licensed. Areas of the home that are not used for the purpose of child care are considered unlicensed and are not subject to licensing inspections. Family home providers, however, are asked to declare that they are in compliance with the DEL requirements for furnaces, guns and weapons, smoke detectors, and medication storage in all unlicensed spaces.

Child care centers offer care in commercial, privately owned, school, or faith-based spaces. Child care center providers serve ages one month through 12 years of age. Prior to becoming licensed, a child care center must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy through the city or county building department, register the business, and receive a certificate of compliance from the director of fire protection. Child care centers receive licensing monitoring visits annually.

Summary:

Before requiring any alterations to a child care facility due to building code inconsistencies, the DEL is required to consult with a city or county enforcement official and receive written verification from the enforcement official that the alteration is required. Additionally, the DEL's consultation is limited to licensed child care space. While the DEL is waiting for consultation or to receive written notification, the DEL may not modify, suspend, or revoke a child care facility's child care license or business activities unless there is imminent danger to children or staff. "Child care facility" is defined to mean a family day care home, school-ages care, and child day care center.

Votes on Final Passage: