H-3139.1
HOUSE BILL 2511
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State of Washington | 64th Legislature | 2016 Regular Session |
By Representatives Pike, Scott, Vick, Shea, Walsh, and Young
Read first time 01/14/16. Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Human Services.
AN ACT Relating to child care center licensing requirements; adding a new section to chapter
43.215 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature recognizes that the high cost of quality child care places a heavy burden on Washington's poorest families. The legislature further acknowledges the administrative burden unnecessary regulations place on child care providers and the families they serve. The legislature finds that under current rule, child care providers may not serve five year olds attending school in the same group as five year olds not attending school.
(2) The legislature intends to require the department of early learning to allow five year olds, regardless of whether they attend elementary school or not, to be placed in the same group. The legislature further intends to streamline the delivery of services to children while continuing to protect their safety and well-being.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.215 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The department may not adopt rules that prohibit licensed child care centers from serving children age sixty months through five years, whether attending elementary school or not, in a mixed group or classroom.
(2) By November 1, 2016, the department shall amend rules necessary to implement this section.
(3) This section does not remove or change staff-to-child ratio requirements.
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