Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Early Learning & Human Services Committee |
HB 2511
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: Concerning child care center licensing requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Pike, Scott, Vick, Shea, Walsh and Young.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/26/16
Staff: Ashley Paintner (786-7120).
Background:
The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is responsible for establishing licensing requirements for child care centers. Child care centers provide regularly scheduled care for children one month of age through 12 years of age for periods less than 24 hours. The DEL allows child care centers to combine children of different ages in mixed groups or classrooms, excluding school-age children. Therefore, a child care center may not serve 5 year-olds who are attending elementary school in a mixed group with 5 year-olds who are not attending elementary school. The DEL allows providers to request a waiver to mixed group limitations so long as the provider maintains staff to child ratio requirements.
Summary of Bill:
The DEL is prohibited from adopting rules that restrict child care centers from serving children aged 60 months through 5 years, whether attending elementary school or not, in a mixed age group setting. By November 1, 2016, the DEL must go through rulemaking procedures and amend all rules necessary in order to remove this restriction. This bill does not remove or change staff to child ratio requirements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.