FINAL BILL REPORT
ESHB 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. |
C 169 L 16
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning child care center licensing requirements.
Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Pike, Scott, Vick, Shea, Walsh and Young).
House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services
Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
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 1 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 children who are attending elementary school in a mixed group with children 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.
The term "school-age child" means a child who is between the ages of five years and twelve years and is attending a public or private school or is receiving home-based instruction.
Summary:
For children ages 5 through 6 years, the DEL may not use school enrollment status as a reason to require a child be placed within a specific mixed-age group.
The definition of "school-age child" includes children 5 years of age through 12 years of age.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 96 | 0 | |
Senate | 48 | 0 | (Senate amended) |
House | 96 | 0 | (House concurred) |
Effective: | June 9, 2016 |