SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5254

BYSenators Talmadge, Vognild, Bauer, Niemi and Fleming

Allowing school districts to provide child care.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 8, 1989

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

AS OF FEBRUARY 9, 1989

BACKGROUND:

National and state studies about the work force have found that the percentage of women in the work place who have children has increased almost 45 percent in the past 25 years.  By 1995, almost two-thirds of all new workers will be women and 80 percent of these working women will raise children during their working years.  Affordable, quality child care is an issue of great concern considering both current and projected labor market trends.

SUMMARY:

The authority of school districts to establish before-and- after school and vacation child care programs is clarified.  In developing programs, parental involvement is encouraged.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction, rather than the State Board of Education, is responsible for adopting rules.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall consider personnel qualifications established for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, rules governing voluntary accreditation of preschools, and licensing regulations governing child care operators.

Before-and-after school care and vacation care programs provided by school districts are not subject to regulation by the Department of Social and Health Services.  School districts may raise money to support child care programs through one-year special levies.  The funds shall be deposited in a child care fund.

Appropriation:    $500,000 for start-up grants and $500,000 to the child care expansion grant fund under RCW 74.13.095

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 7, 1989