CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

[Filed December 4, 2025, 9:31 a.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 25-17-031.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 110-425 WAC, Early childhood education assistance program (ECEAP). ECEAP provides preschool education, family support, and health and nutrition services to low-income three- and four-year-old children to promote school success.

Hearing Location(s): On January 27, 2026, telephonic. Comments can be made by calling 360-972-5385 and leaving a voicemail that includes the comment, emailing the rules coordinator, or submitting comments to the online comment application linked below. All comments must be received by the date and time listed below.

Date of Intended Adoption: January 28, 2026.

Submit Written Comments to: The department of children, youth, and families (DCYF) rules coordinator, email dcyf.rulescoordinator@dcyf.wa.gov, https://dcyf.wa.gov/practice/policy-laws-rules/rule-making/participate/online, beginning 8:00 a.m., December 5, 2025, by 11:59 p.m., January 27, 2026.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact DCYF rules coordinator, phone 360-522-691, email dcyf.rulescoordinator@dcyf.wa.gov, relay 711, by January 17, 2026.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The early learning division is amending chapter 110-425 WAC, ECEAP, and creating a new section to comply with 2025 legislation. HB [SHB] 1351 changed the ECEAP eligibility and expanded enrollment effective July 1, 2025. In addition, there were changes in requirements in RCW 43.216.512 and 43.216.513 and these WAC are being updated to meet these new enrollment rules.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The WAC revisions will align with recent legislation regarding eligibility and expanded enrollment, which impacts ECEAP contractors, providers, and children and families.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: SB [SSB] 5030, SB [ESSB] 5752, and HB [SHB] 1351; and RCW 43.216.065, 43.216.512, 43.216.513, and 43.216.525.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.216.512 and 43.216.513.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: DCYF, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Jennifer Jones, 360-338-2702.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. DCYF is not among the agencies listed as required to comply with RCW 34.05.328 (5)[(a)](i).

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules relate only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a nongovernment party; and rule content is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(4).

Scope of exemption for rule proposal:

LEGAL BASIS, PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, AND NONDISCRIMINATION

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-03-041, filed 1/8/19, effective 2/8/19)

WAC 110-425-0010((Authority.))Legal basis for the early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP).

((These rules are adopted under the authority of))The legal basis for the department's ECEAP is RCW 43.216.525.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 18-14-078, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18)

WAC 110-425-0020Purpose.

((The early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP)))ECEAP provides preschool education, family support, and health and nutrition services to low-income three- and four-year-old children to promote school success.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 24-12-042, filed 5/30/24, effective 7/1/24)

WAC 110-425-0030Definitions.

(("Child allowed for enrollment" means a child that DCYF may permit to be enrolled in ECEAP under RCW 43.216.512, but who is not in the group that will be entitled to ECEAP beginning in the 2026-27 school year under RCW 43.216.556.

"Child eligible for enrollment" means a child who is eligible for ECEAP under RCW 43.216.505(4). This child is in the group that will be entitled to ECEAP beginning in the 2026-27 school year under RCW 43.216.556. Under RCW 43.216.514, a child eligible for enrollment must be given enrollment priority over a child allowed for enrollment. "Eligible child" has the same meaning as "child eligible for enrollment."

"Contractor" means a public or private organization that contracts with the department of children, youth, and families to provide local ECEAP services.

"Department" means the department of children, youth, and families.

"ECEAP" means the early childhood education and assistance program.

"Eligible organization" means public or private organizations including, but not limited to, school districts, educational service districts, community and technical colleges, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations provided that their proposed ECEAP is free from religious instruction, activities, or symbolism.

"Federal poverty level" or "FPL" means the measure of income in relation to family size issued by the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and used to calculate ECEAP income eligibility.

"Indian child" means for:

(a) ECEAP sites run by sovereign tribal nations: Indian child as defined by the tribe and submitted to the department.

(b) Nontribal providers serving tribal children, including tribal nonprofit providers: Indian child as defined in WAC 110-110-0010.

"Performance standards" means the most current release of the ECEAP performance standards as incorporated into the ECEAP contract, which are accessible at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/eceap/contractors.))The following definitions apply to this chapter:

"Children allowed for enrollment" means children that the department may permit to be enrolled in ECEAP as outlined in RCW 43.216.512, but who are not entitled to as outlined in RCW 43.216.556.

"Children eligible for enrollment" or "eligible children" means the same as defined in RCW 43.216.505.

"Comprehensive" means the same as defined in RCW 43.216.505.

"Department" means the Washington state department of children, youth, and families.

"Early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP)" means Washington state's prekindergarten program that prepares three- and four-year-old children from families furthest from opportunity for success in school and in life.

"ECEAP contractors" means organizations that provides ECEAP services under a signed contract with the department.

"ECEAP providers" means organizations that provides site level, direct, and high-quality ECEAP services under the direction of an ECEAP contractor.

"Eligible providers" means the same as described in RCW 43.216.515.

"Indian children" means for:

(a) ECEAP sites run by sovereign tribal nations, the same as defined by the tribe and submitted to the department.

(b) Nontribal ECEAP providers serving tribal children, heterosexual, cisgender, and nonquestioning individuals including tribal nonprofit providers, the same as defined in WAC 110-110-0010.

"Performance standards" means the most current release of the ECEAP performance standards as incorporated into the ECEAP contract, which are accessible on the department's website.

"Sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE)" means distinct identifiers everyone has. LGBTQIA+ is a subdistinction within SOGIE self-identifiers. SOGIE includes LGBTQIA+ as well as heterosexual, cisgender, and nonquestioning individuals.

"State median income (SMI)" means the annual income figure the census bureau publishes yearly based on family size.

WAC 110-425-0035Nondiscrimination.

ECEAP providers must not deny services to or discriminate against children, families, and individuals:

(1) By following chapter 49.60 RCW; and

(2) On the basis of SOGIE, family configuration, or public assistance recipient status.

FUNDS AND SERVICE DELIVERY

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-03-041, filed 1/8/19, effective 2/8/19)

WAC 110-425-0040((Process for allocating or awarding funds.))Allocating or awarding funds.

(1) Eligible organizations ((may apply to become contractors for ECEAP.

(2) Funds shall be awarded on a competitive basis to new contractors or allocated by the department for renewal contracts, consistent with the amount allocated by the legislature.

(3) An applicant must use the application procedures established by the department.

(4) Successful applicants will be awarded a contract with the department. This contract must be signed by an official with authority to bind the recipient.))must complete the following to become an ECEAP contractor:

(a) Complete the application process established by the department; and

(b) Enter into a contract or interlocal agreement with the department if they are a successful applicant.

(2) The department will award available funds to successful applicants on a competitive basis consistent with the amount allocated by the legislature.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-03-041, filed 1/8/19, effective 2/8/19)

WAC 110-425-0050Use of funds.

(((1) Contracting agencies must provide comprehensive early education and family support services free of charge to enrolled families.

(2) ECEAP funds may be used as dollars of last resort for medical, dental, nutrition, and mental health services.

(3) Administrative costs funded under this program are limited to fifteen percent of the total award.))ECEAP contractors:

(1) Must provide comprehensive early education and family support services free of charge to enrolled families; and

(2) May use:

(a) ECEAP funds of last resort for enrolled children's:

(i) Medical;

(ii) Dental;

(iii) Nutrition; or

(iv) Mental health services; and

(b) Up to 15 percent of the total amount awarded for program administrative costs.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-03-041, filed 1/8/19, effective 2/8/19)

WAC 110-425-0060Comprehensive service delivery.

(((1) Contractors must plan and deliver the following comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families:

(a) Early childhood education;

(b) Family support, using the mobility mentoring approach to help families overcome the extreme stresses of poverty by improving focus, planning, and decision making;

(c) Parent involvement including options for participation in their child's classroom, program policy decisions, service delivery system development, and parent education and training; and

(d) Health screening, information, and referral, including medical, dental, nutrition, and mental health.

(2) Contractors must comply with the early childhood education and assistance program contract, performance standards, and policy memos in the delivery of all services.

(3) Contractors may request exceptions to rules, performance standards, or policies. Contractors must receive written approval from the department before implementing exceptions.))ECEAP contractors must:

(1) Develop and provide the following comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families:

(a) Early childhood education;

(b) Family support to help families overcome the extreme stresses of poverty by improving focus, planning, and decision making;

(i) Options for participation in their children's classrooms;

(ii) Program policy decisions;

(iii) Service delivery system development; and

(iv) Parent education and training; and

(d) Health screenings, including information and referrals for:

(i) Medical;

(ii) Dental;

(iii) Nutrition; or

(iv) Mental health;

(2) Comply with their contract, performance standards, and policies when providing services; and

(3) Obtain written approval from the department before implementing exceptions to the:

(a) Rules in this chapter;

(b) ECEAP contracts;

(d) Policies.

ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-03-041, filed 1/8/19, effective 2/8/19)

WAC 110-425-0070((Nondiscrimination.))Date of birth verification.

((Contractors must not deny service to, or discriminate against, any person who meets the eligibility criteria for the ECEAP on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, family configuration, sexual orientation, culture, or public assistance recipient status.))ECEAP contractors and providers must verify children's dates of birth for the purposes of enrollment using one of the following documents that includes their date of birth:

(1) A document listed in RCW 43.216.528;

(2) Certificate of Indian blood;

(3) Tribal enrollment card; or

(4) A document approved by the department.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-24-014, filed 11/21/19, effective 12/22/19)

WAC 110-425-0080Children eligible for enrollment.

((A child is eligible for enrollment in ECEAP if the child is at least three years old by August 31st of the school year, is not age-eligible for kindergarten, and is either:

(1) From a family with income at or below one hundred ten percent of the federal poverty level (FPL);

(2) Qualified by a school district for special education services under RCW 28A.155.020. All children on a school district individualized education program (IEP) meet this requirement; or

(3) From a family with income that exceeds one hundred ten percent federal poverty level and is impacted by specific risk factors incorporated into the department's prioritization system described in WAC 110-425-0085(4) which includes preference for enrollment of children from families with the lowest income, children in foster care, or children from families with multiple needs. No more than ten percent of slots statewide are enrolled with children eligible under this provision.))Children are eligible for ECEAP enrollment:

(1) If they meet the definition of an eligible child as outlined in RCW 43.216.505; and

(2) Until they begin kindergarten.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-24-014, filed 11/21/19, effective 12/22/19)

WAC 110-425-0083((Additional children allowed for enrollment.))Enrolling allowed and early entry children.

(((1) A child is allowed for enrollment in ECEAP as space is available if the child is at least three years old by August 31st of the enrollment school year and is not age-eligible for kindergarten, and is either:

(a) From a family above one hundred ten percent but less than or equal to one hundred thirty percent of FPL; or

(b) From a family above one hundred thirty percent but less than or equal to two hundred percent of FPL and with one or more specific risk factors as described in the department's prioritization system under WAC 110-425-0085(4).

(2) A child is allowed for enrollment in ECEAP as space is available if the child:

(a) Has received services from the early support for infants and toddlers program (ESIT), early head start (EHS), or the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program;

(b) Turned three years of age any time after August 31st of the enrollment school year;

(d) Is from a family with income:

(i) At or below two hundred percent of FPL; or

(ii) Above two hundred percent of FPL with one or more additional specific risk factors as described in the department's prioritization system under WAC 110-425-0085(4).))ECEAP providers may enroll children:

(1) Allowed for enrollment in ECEAP as outlined in RCW 43.216.512; or

(2) Who qualify for early entry in ECEAP as outlined in RCW 43.216.513.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-24-014, filed 11/21/19, effective 12/22/19)

WAC 110-425-0084Duration of enrollment and allowance of dual enrollments.

(((1) Enrolled children remain qualified for ECEAP until kindergarten, without reverification of income or risk factors. All previously enrolled children returning for a new school year may be reprioritized against new children when enrollment slots are limited.

(2) Children may not be enrolled in ECEAP if they are enrolled in Head Start, however Head Start duration funds may be used to increase the length of the ECEAP preschool day when federal funds are provided to a contractor specifically for this purpose.

(3) Children served by school district special education may be simultaneously enrolled in ECEAP.))ECEAP contractors and providers:

(1) Must not simultaneously enroll children in ECEAP and:

(a) Head start; or

(b) Transition to kindergarten; and

(2) May:

(a) Reprioritize enrolled children returning for a new school year against newly enrolling children when slots are limited;

(b) Allow dual enrollment of children in ECEAP who are served by school district special education; and

(c) Use head start duration funds to increase the length of the ECEAP preschool day when federal funds are provided to ECEAP contractors for this purpose.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-24-014, filed 11/21/19, effective 12/22/19)

WAC 110-425-0085ECEAP prioritization system.

(((1) Once contractors have established a pool of children who are eligible or allowed for enrollment, contractors must prioritize the children for available funded ECEAP slots.

(2) The department establishes an ECEAP prioritization system based on priority points attributed to each child who is eligible or allowed for enrollment. This system is updated periodically as related research becomes available. The most current prioritization system is accessible at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/eceap/contractors/direct-service-staff/enrollment and is incorporated into the early learning management system (ELMS) which manages ECEAP eligibility and enrollment.

(3) The ECEAP prioritization system incorporates the prioritization requirements included in RCW 43.216.505(4), 43.216.512, and 43.216.514.

(4) Priority points are awarded for:

(a) Child welfare system involvement;

(b) Homelessness;

(d) Four-year olds who are within one year of kindergarten eligibility;

(e) Limited-English proficiency which shall have the same meaning as the phrase "English as a second language" under RCW 43.216.512;

(f) Individualized education program (IEP);

(g) Suspected or diagnosed developmental delay or disability for a child without an IEP;

(h) Incarcerated parent;

(i) Child's previous expulsion from an early learning setting due to behavior;

(j) Family domestic violence;

(k) Family substance abuse;

(l) Family mental illness;

(m) Other risk factors determined by the department to be linked by research to school performance.))(1) The department will establish and manage the ECEAP prioritization system based on priority points attributed to all children who are eligible or allowed for enrollment.

(2) ECEAP contractors and providers must prioritize children for funded and available ECEAP slots when:

(a) They have a list of children who are eligible or allowed for enrollment; and

(b) The children meet the ECEAP priority points requirement on the department's website.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-24-014, filed 11/21/19, effective 12/22/19)

WAC 110-425-0087Contractor slots for children ((above one hundred ten percent of FPL))who exceed the SMI eligibility.

(((1) With regard to children eligible for enrollment, RCW 43.216.505 (4)(c) establishes a limit of ten percent of total statewide enrollment for children that meet criteria established by WAC 110-425-0080 (1)(c).

(2) With regard to children allowed for enrollment, RCW 43.216.512 establishes a limit of twenty-five percent of total statewide enrollment.

(3) The department sets an initial limit for each contractor of slots for children above one hundred ten percent of FPL who do not have an IEP, in order to manage the statewide limits.

(a) This limit is based on each contractor's size, enrollment history, and to provide flexibility to fill classes in rural areas.

(b) For sites operated by tribes or tribal organizations, the department sets the initial limit at twenty-five percent.

(d) This contractor limit is managed in ELMS.

(4) Once a contractor has enrolled their limit of children above one hundred ten percent of FPL who do not have an IEP, the contractor may request an increase of their limit if:

(a) The contractor has unfilled funded slots; and

(b) Efforts to recruit children eligible for enrollment or with higher priority points within the contractor's service area have been exhausted.

(5) The department will consider the following factors when reviewing requests for additional slots above one hundred ten percent of FPL:

(a) ECEAP enrollments have not reached the statewide limits of children eligible and allowed for enrollment above one hundred ten percent of FPL who do not have an IEP under RCW 43.216.505(4) and 43.216.512;

(b) The requesting contractor's need to fill slots to fully enroll a class to ensure access to services children at or below one hundred ten percent of FPL;

(d) The presence of unserved children at or below one hundred ten percent of FPL in other locations in the state.))The department:

(1) Will:

(a) Maintain statewide limits of slots for children that exceed SMI eligibility. Limits are set at:

(i) Ten percent of the total statewide enrollment for children that meet criteria in RCW 43.216.505; or

(ii) Twenty-five percent for ECEAP sites operated by sovereign tribal nations; and

(b) Determine the number of slots annually for children who exceed the SMI eligibility based on:

(i) The contractors' size, enrollment history, and to provide flexibility to fill classes in rural areas; and

(ii) Eligibility as outlined in:

(A) RCW 43.216.505;

(B) RCW 43.216.512; and

(c) Document the number of annual slots available for children who exceed the SMI eligibility in the early learning management system for ECEAP contractors; and

(d) Consider the following when reviewing requests for additional slots for children that meet eligibility enrollment criteria using the department's prioritization system outlined in WAC 110-425-0085:

(i) ECEAP enrollments have not reached the statewide limits of children eligible for enrollment; or

(ii) The requesting ECEAP contractors':

(A) Need to fill slots to fully enroll a class to verify access to services for eligible children; or

(B) Community need for additional flexibility to serve additional children; and

(iii) The presence of unserved eligible children; and

(2) May adjust the number of annual slots when slots are reallocated between ECEAP contractors.

WAC 110-425-0088Statewide limits on enrollment for allowed and early entry children in ECEAP.

The department will maintain the ECEAP statewide limit for allowed and early entry children as outlined in:

(1) RCW 43.216.505;

(2) RCW 43.216.512; and

(3) RCW 43.216.513.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-03-041, filed 1/8/19, effective 2/8/19)

WAC 110-425-0090((Staff))ECEAP requirements for staff coverage, hiring, and position qualifications.

(((1) Contractors must provide adequate staff to comply with all ECEAP performance standards.

(2) Contractors must require their staff and other persons associated with the contractor that are considered to be a "subject individual" as defined in WAC 110-06-0020, and who may have unsupervised access to children, to obtain a fingerprint background check in compliance with the requirements of RCW 43.216.270, 43.216.525 and chapter 110-06 WAC.

(3) All persons serving in the role of ECEAP lead teacher must meet one of the following qualifications:

(a) An associate or higher degree with the equivalent of thirty college quarter credits in early childhood education. These thirty credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree; or

(b) A valid Washington state teaching certificate with an endorsement in early childhood education (pre-K - grade 3) or early childhood special education.

(4) All persons serving in the role of ECEAP assistant teacher must meet one of the following qualifications:

(a) Employment as an ECEAP assistant teacher in the same agency before July 1, 1999;

(b) The equivalent of twelve college quarter credits in early childhood education;

(d) A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition.

(5) All persons serving in the role of ECEAP family support staff must meet one of the following qualifications:

(a) Employment as an ECEAP family support staff in the same agency before July 1, 1999;

(b) An associate's or higher degree with the equivalent of thirty college quarter credits in adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology, or another field directly related to their job responsibilities. These thirty credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree;

(c) A current home visitor child development associate (CDA) credential from the council for professional recognition; or

(d) A department-approved credential from a comprehensive and competency-based program that increases knowledge and skills in providing direct family support services to families.

(6) All persons serving in the role of ECEAP health advocate must meet one of the following qualifications:

(a) Employment as an ECEAP family support aide or health aide in the same agency before July 1, 2014; or

(b) The equivalent of twelve college quarter credits in family support, public health, health education, nursing, or another field directly related to their job responsibilities.

(7) The ECEAP health consultant must meet one of the following qualifications:

(a) Licensed in Washington state as a registered nurse (R.N.) or physician (M.D., N.D., D.O.); or

(b) A bachelor's or higher degree in public health, nursing, health education, health sciences, medicine, or related field.

(8) The ECEAP nutrition consultant must meet one of the following qualifications:

(a) Registered dietitian (RD) credentialed through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association); or

(b) Washington state certified nutritionist under chapter 18.138 RCW.

(9) The ECEAP mental health consultant must meet one of the following qualifications:

(a) Licensed by the Washington state department of health as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse;

(b) Approved by the Washington state department of health as an agency affiliated or certified counselor, with a master's degree in counseling, social work or related field; or

(c) Credentialed by the Washington state office of the superintendent of public instruction as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist.

(10) The ECEAP coach must meet all of the following qualifications:

(a) Bachelor's degree in early childhood or related field or a bachelor's degree with the equivalent of thirty college quarter credits in early childhood education. These thirty credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree;

(b) A minimum of two years working with young children in a group setting; and

(11) Contractors must hire and employ staff who meet the qualifications for their position.

(a) If the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the contractor must ensure the newly hired staff person is on a professional development plan (PDP) to fully meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire.

(b) Contractors must monitor progress on all PDPs and ensure staff make adequate yearly progress to meet the required qualifications.

(12) Equivalent degrees and certificates from other states and countries are accepted for ECEAP staff qualifications.))ECEAP contractors and providers:

(1) Must:

(a) Maintain adequate staff to comply with the ECEAP performance standards and contract requirements;

(b) Hire and employ staff who meet the qualifications for their position;

(c) Place newly hired individuals not meeting the minimum qualifications for their role on a professional development plan to fully meet the qualifications within five years from the date of hire;

(d) Monitor progress on all professional development plans and document adequate yearly progress to meet the required qualifications; and

(e) Verify:

(i) Employees with unsupervised access to children have passed a background check, as outlined in chapter 110-06 WAC;

(ii) Other individuals associated with ECEAP contractors or providers that meet the definition of "subject individual" and who may have unsupervised access to children have passed a background check, as outlined in chapter 110-06 WAC;

(iii) ECEAP lead teachers have an associate or higher degree in early childhood education or equivalent approved by the department;

(iv) ECEAP assistant teachers have a Washington state early childhood education initial certificate or equivalent approved by the department;

(v) ECEAP family support staff have one of the following qualifications:

(A) An associate or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits that may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree, in any of the following:

(I) Human development;

(II) Human services;

(III) Family support;

(IV) Social work;

(V) Early childhood education;

(VI) Child development;

(VII) Psychology; or

(VIII) Another field directly related to their job responsibilities; or

(B) A department-approved credential from a comprehensive and competency-based program that increases knowledge and skills in providing direct family support services to families;

(vi) ECEAP health advocates have one of the following:

(A) Employment as an ECEAP family support aide or health aide in the same agency before July 1, 2014;

(B) The equivalent of 12 college quarter credits in family support, public health, health education, nursing, or another field directly related to their job responsibilities; or

(vii) ECEAP health consultants have one of the following:

(A) A license in Washington state as a registered nurse or physician; or

(B) A bachelor's or higher degree in any of the following:

(I) Public health;

(II) Nursing;

(III) Health education;

(IV) Health sciences;

(V) Medicine; or

(VI) Related field.

(viii) ECEAP nutrition consultants have one of the following qualifications:

(A) Registered dietitian credentialed through the commission on dietetic registration; or

(B) Washington state certified nutritionist as outlined in chapter 18.138 RCW;

(ix) Infant and early childhood mental health consultants have one of the following:

(A) A license by the Washington state department of health as a:

(I) Mental health counselor or mental health counselor associate;

(II) Marriage and family therapist or marriage and family therapist associate;

(III) Social worker or social worker associate, psychologist;

(IV) Psychiatrist; or

(V) Psychiatric nurse;

(B) An agency affiliated or certified counselor with a master's degree in counseling, social work, or related field approved by the Washington state department of health;

(C) Credentialed by the Washington state office of the superintendent of public instruction as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist; or

(D) A mental health professional recognized by the tribe and submitted to the department for ECEAP sites operated by sovereign tribal nations. If a mental health consultant is not available to provide services at least once a month, programs must use other licensed mental health professionals or behavioral health support specialists certified and trained in their profession or recognized by their tribal government to verify mental health supports are available; and

(x) ECEAP coaches have the following:

(A) Bachelor's degree:

(I) In early childhood or related field; or

(II) An equivalent approved by the department;

(B) A minimum of two years working with young children in a group setting; and

(2) May accept equivalent degrees and certificates from other states and countries to meet the ECEAP staff qualifications.