BILL REQ. #:  S-3573.1 

Read first time 01/15/14.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to the integration of early learning programs; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   There are several early learning, child care, and parent support programs that comprise the early learning and child care system in Washington. Each program has unique objectives, eligibility requirements, processes for enrollment, hours of operation, licensing or performance standards, and funding streams. The multiple disparate components of each program may create barriers for early learning and child care practitioners wishing to offer high quality full-day learning and care opportunities that both meet the needs of working parents and promote meaningful outcomes for children. To the extent possible, it is the intent of the legislature to streamline and align licensing and performance standards in order to facilitate integration of these early learning programs.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) No later than July 1, 2015, the department of early learning shall adopt a single set of licensing standards for child care and the early childhood education and assistance program. The new licensing standards must:
     (a) Use the early achievers program as a foundational framework and eliminate additional burdensome regulations for providers who demonstrate higher levels of quality care;
     (b) Take into account the separate needs of family care providers and child care centers; and
     (c) Ensure for the continued health and safety of child care settings.
     (2) This section expires July 1, 2016.