(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, including the authority to adopt rules to implement chapter 43.216 RCW.

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

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

(b) Expanding access to high quality school-age programs to improve outcomes for children;

(c) Supporting strong school success; and

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

(3) Pursuant to this chapter, the department will periodically monitor and assess a school-age program to determine compliance with these foundational quality standards.

(4) Pursuant to RCW 43.216.250 (2)(b), the provisions of this chapter governing the physical facility, including buildings and other physical structures attached to buildings and premises, do not apply to licensed school-age programs that operate in facilities used by public or private schools. The department regulates only health, safety, and quality standards that do not relate to the physical facility for programs operating in facilities used by public or private schools.