The following definitions apply to this chapter.

"Applicant" means an individual who has made a formal request for a child care license or organizational license.

"Child care,""early learning program," or "early learning" means regularly scheduled care that is licensed by the department for a group of children birth through 12 years of age for periods of less than 24 hours.

"Department" means the Washington state department of children, youth, and families (DCYF).

"Early learning provider" or "provider" means an early learning licensee or designee who works in an early learning program during hours when children are or may be present. Designees include center directors, assistant directors, program supervisors, lead teachers, assistants, aides, and volunteers.

"Organizational pilot license" or "pilot license" means a permit issued by the department legally authorizing an applicant to operate an early learning program that is authorized under section 229(19), chapter 297, Laws of 2022.

"Pilot project" means the program authorized under section 229(19), chapter 297, Laws of 2022, that requires DCYF to determine the feasibility of a child care license category for multisite programs operating under one owner or entity.