PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
EARLY LEARNING
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 170-290 WAC, Working connections child care (WCCC) and seasonal child care (SCC) programs.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.215.060 and 43.215.070 (2)(c); section 501, chapter 265, Laws of 2006.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of early learning (DEL) intends to make changes to this WAC chapter to implement any changes made in accordance with the governor's budget-related policy directives, the 2010 supplemental budget, or both, that impact the WCCC and SCC subsidy programs. This will include changes to the rules as may be necessary to improve program efficiencies and effectiveness, increase accountability for child care and development funds (CCDF), and reduce child care subsidy program costs.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: DEL plans to coordinate adoption of the rule with DSHS and the federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as appropriate. DSHS implements the WCCC program, including determining eligibility for WCCC benefits and managing payments to providers receiving WCCC subsidies. DEL determines child care subsidy policy for the WCCC and SCC programs, and serves as the lead agency for the expenditure of CCDF.
Process for Developing New Rule: To the extent possible, DEL plans to circulate draft rules for informal input before filing a formal proposal. When the formal proposal is filed, DEL will hold a public hearing or hearings and take written comments on the proposed rules before adopting the permanent rules.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in joining an e-mail or postal mailing list to get notices and other information about this rule should contact DEL by e-mail at Rules@del.wa.gov, by phone at (360) 725-4397, or by writing to the DEL Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970. Information about this rule process will also be posted on the DEL web site at http://www.del.wa.gov.
January 12, 2010
Andy Fernando
Rules Coordinator