BILL REQ. #:  S-4770.1 

Read first time 01/29/08.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to reporting to the legislature regarding the implementation of directives related to child care in Washington state; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The department of early learning and the early learning advisory council shall jointly report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding the implementation of current activities to improve the quality and safety of child care licensed pursuant to chapter 43.215 RCW.
     (2) The joint report shall report on the status and progress of the department's and the early learning advisory council's work in the following areas:
     (a) The implementation of Washington's quality rating and improvement system created pursuant to RCW 43.215.100;
     (b) The implementation of the state training and registry system;
     (c) The implementation of practices to enhance outreach and education to consumers and the general public regarding: The department's toll-free number established under RCW 43.215.520; the department's web site regarding child care licensing and enforcement actions as provided in RCW 43.215.525, 43.215.530 and 43.215.370; and any other items related to parent and consumer access to accurate information about child care;
     (d) Efforts concerning public education regarding unlicensed child care;
     (e) The results of negotiated rule making for family child care licensees as provided in RCW 43.215.350 and, if applicable, negotiated rule making for child day care centers;
     (f) If applicable, any evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of the child care resource and referral network in providing information to assist parents in making informed child care decisions; and
     (g) If applicable, efforts regarding the establishment of statewide standards for licensed child care provider preservice and continuing training and education.
     (3) The preliminary joint report shall be provided to the governor's office and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2008, with a final report, presented by June 30, 2009.
     (4) This section expires July 1, 2009.