Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Early Learning & Human Services Committee |
HB 1639
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 specialized child care pilot program for vulnerable children.
Sponsors: Representatives Ortiz-Self, Dent, Frame, Kagi, Goodman, Fey and Doglio.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/17
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:
The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is the lead agency for the Early Childhood Intervention and Prevention Services (ECLIPSE) program. The DEL contracts with two community-based programs to provide therapeutic child care and other specialized treatment services to abused, neglected, at-risk, and/or drug-affected children ages birth to five. Priority for ECLIPSE services is given to children referred by the Department of Social and Health Services Children's Administration.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are indicators of severe childhood stressors and family dysfunction experienced before the age of 18 that can negatively impact physical and behavioral health across the lifespan. The ACEs indicators include:
child physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;
child emotional or physical neglect;
alcohol or other substance abuse in the home;
mental illness, depression, or suicidal behaviors in the home;
incarceration of a family member;
witnessing intimate partner violence; and
parental divorce or separation.
Summary of Bill:
The DEL must establish a two-year pilot to provide multi-tiered behavior support and specialized trauma-informed care in licensed child care facilities to children from birth to five years of age. The DEL must select four pilot sites that equally represent urban and rural areas. At least one site must be located west of the Cascade Mountains, and one site must be located east of the Cascade Mountains.
The pilot sites must reserve at least 50 percent of available spaces for children with ACES. Sites must:
participate in an evaluation study at the end of the pilot;
agree to a non-expulsion policy for the children;
keep records on social, emotional, and behavioral development for the children in the program; and
keep records on discipline outcomes for children participating in the program.
The DEL must report to the Governor and the Legislature on the results of the pilot by December 1, 2019. The evaluation report must include recommendations for:
optimal staffing levels and necessary staff support for effectively working with high-needs children in a child care or early learning environment;
necessary family supports;
how to best transition children to other schools or programs; and
how to best serve high-needs children.
The pilot expires on January 1, 2020.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.