H-4093.1
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2511
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State of Washington | 64th Legislature | 2016 Regular Session |
By House Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Pike, Scott, Vick, Shea, Walsh, and Young)
READ FIRST TIME 02/02/16.
AN ACT Relating to child care center licensing requirements; adding a new section to chapter
43.215 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature recognizes that the high cost of quality child care places a heavy burden on Washington's poorest families. The legislature further acknowledges the administrative burden unnecessary regulations place on child care providers and the families they serve. The legislature finds that under current rule, child care providers may not serve five year olds attending school in the same group as five year olds not attending school.
(2) The legislature intends to allow child care centers to serve kindergartners in a mixed group or classroom without having to go through a waiver process. The legislature further intends to streamline the delivery of services to children while continuing to protect their safety and well-being.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.215 RCW to read as follows:
(1) Licensed child care centers may serve children enrolled in kindergarten in a mixed group or classroom, excluding classrooms which serve infants not walking independently.
(2) By November 1, 2016, the department shall amend rules necessary to implement this section.
(3) This section does not remove or change staff-to-child ratio requirements.
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