(1) The department of children, youth, and families was established under chapter 6, Laws of 2017. Chapter 43.216 RCW establishes the department's responsibility and authority to set and enforce licensing requirements and ECEAP standards, including the authority to adopt rules to implement chapter 43.216 RCW.

(2) Under chapter 7, Laws of 2015 3rd sp. sess. (Early Start Act), the state legislature directed the department to create a single set of licensing standards for center and family home providers.

(3) This chapter reflects the department's commitment to:

(a) Promoting the health, safety, and well-being of children;

(b) Expanding access to high quality early learning opportunities to improve outcomes for young children;

(c) Promoting strong school readiness; and

(d) Recognizing parents and guardians as a child's primary teacher and advocate.

(4) Pursuant to this chapter, the department will periodically monitor and assess early learning programs to determine compliance with these foundational quality standards.