WSR 18-09-120

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed April 18, 2018, 10:44 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Outdoor, nature-based early learning and child care programs.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.215.060, 43.215.070, and 43.215.566.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Department of early learning (DEL) is implementing a legislatively mandated pilot project to explore the possibility of licensing outdoor, nature-based early learning and child care programs. As part of the pilot project, DEL will explore options for developing a quality rating and improvement system for outdoor preschools. The pilot project is expected to conclude June 30, 2021.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The state department of social and health services jointly administers the working connections and seasonal child care (WCCC and SCC) subsidy programs. DEL must follow United States Administration for Children and Families, CCDF regulations consistent with the state's CCDF plan when licensing early learning programs that will participate in the WCCC and SCC programs. DEL plans to coordinate rule development with these state and federal agencies.

Process for Developing New Rule: To the extent practicable, DEL intends to seek stakeholder and public input during rule development. DEL expects that proposed rules will be filed and comments will be solicited before permanent rules are adopted.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970, phone 360-725-4670, fax 360-725-4925, email rules@del.wa.gov, web site www.del.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Effective July 1, 2018, chapter 6, Laws of 2017 3rd sp. sess. (2E2SHB 1661), creates the department of children, youth and families (DCYF), abolishes DEL, and assigns DEL's powers and duties as well as the powers and duties of the department of social and health services' children's administration to DCYF. Effective July 1, 2018, this rule making will transfer to DCYF.

April 18, 2018

Heather Moss

Director