| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Early Learning & Children's Services Committee | |
HB 3269
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Creating a roving early intervention specialist pilot program.
Sponsors: Representatives Roach, Haler, Williams, Campbell, Rodne and Ross.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/08
Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).
Background:
The Department of Early Learning (DEL) has responsibility for implementing state early
learning policy and coordinating, consolidating, and integrating child care and early learning
programs in order to administer programs and funds efficiently.
The Legislature in 2007 appropriated a total of $500,000 to the DEL for child care consultation
services, $250,000 in the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years. In November 2007 the DEL issued a
request for proposal (RFP) for child care consultation services to be provided in 10 pilot
communities.
Summary of Bill:
Subject to the availability of funds, DEL must administer the Roving Early Intervention
Specialist Pilot Program beginning July 1, 2008. The purpose of the program is to provide
assistance to licensed child care providers and families in Pierce County with children ages birth
to 5 years with special needs.
One roving early intervention specialist must be housed at the local Child Care Resource &
Referral in Pierce County. The specialist must, at a minimum, have a Bachelor of Arts degree,
preferably in child and family counseling or early intervention services. The specialist must:
(1) assist families in finding child care and other related services;
(2) coordinate with families and child care providers to ensure a child's enrollment and
smooth transition into a child care facility;
(3) provide professional and technical assistance to licensed child care providers; and
(4) encourage child care providers not to expel a child with special needs until the specialist
has had the opportunity to ameliorate concerns.
Professional and technical assistance includes site visits to assist with the providers' challenges
and to provide training to workers.
By August 1, 2009 the DEL must report findings to the Governor and the appropriate education
and fiscal committees of the Legislature. The DEL must report on the following elements of the
program:
(1) how often providers received timely consulting and evaluation assistance;
(2) how many children who might have been asked to leave a child care facility were
retained due to the intervention of the specialist; and
(3) how many providers reported improvement with the children's learning progress and
readiness.
The DEL also must include recommendations for increasing the number of roving early
intervention specialists to serve statewide.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 1, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.