PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
EARLY LEARNING
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The purpose of this rule is to allow the new department of early learning to continue providing due process hearing procedures to child care providers and to conduct background checks. No rules are being appealed or amended.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Section 301, chapter 265, Laws of 2006.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SSHB [2SHB] 2964 (chapter 265, Laws of 2006) created the new department of early learning, effective July 1, 2006. The rules set up a process for conducting background checks. The rules also set up a process for hearings when an applicant for a child care license is denied the license or background clearance to work with children.
When the department of early learning was formed, the DSHS hearing and background check rules in Title 388 WAC became obsolete for regulating child care. This is vital to the health and safety of children in care. These rules are necessary to implement the legislative intent in SSHB [2SHB 2964].
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of health - immunization program; Washington state patrol (state fire marshal); and division of labor and industries (minor work laws, first aid and CPR, bloodborne-pathogens, electrical) -- Key personnel have been identified at each agency to work with. Initial draft WAC has been sent to each agency for review and comment to ensure consistency and coordination.
Process for Developing New Rule: All interested parties are invited to review and provide comment on the draft language. Postcards will be sent to each licensed child care facility in the state of Washington. The postcards will announce the draft change and where the draft language can be found on the department of early learning internet site. For information about this rule making or to be on a mailing list to receive notices about this rule, contact the person listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Liz Egge, Licensing Program Manager, Department of Early Learning, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970, street address: 1009 College Street, Lacey, WA 98503, phone (360) 725-4681, fax (360) 413-3482, e-mail elizabeth.egge@del.wa.gov.
October 24, 2006
Jone M. Bosworth
Director