WSR 26-10-101

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

[Filed May 6, 2026, 11:07 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The early learning division's working connections child care (WCCC) program is amending WAC 110-15-0025 Consumers' rights, 110-15-0034 Providers' responsibilities, 110-15-0036 Billing requirements, and 110-15-3560 Consumers' rights; other related rules.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: SHB 2689, section 3.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These amendments are to implement WCCC changes related to SHB 2689. Per the bill, by October 1, 2026, the department of children, youth, and families must adopt rules related to child care provider subsidy payments that allow licensed or certified child care centers who accept state subsidy payments to claim daily subsidy payments as follows:

"(a) For a child who has attended for 16 or more days in a calendar month, a provider may claim payment for the full number of authorized days;

(b) For a child who has attended for nine to 15 days in a calendar month, a provider may claim payment for the full number of authorized days, or for 15 days, whichever is fewer; and

(c) For a child who has attended for one to eight days in a calendar month, a provider may claim payment for the full number of authorized days, or for 11 days, whichever is fewer.

(2) Daily subsidy payments must be paid in half-day or partial day rates, as established in rule, for a child authorized for and receiving half-day or partial-day care."

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Christin James, phone 360-688-0479, email christin.james@dcyf.wa.gov, website www.dcyf.wa.gov; or Amy Emerson, 1500 Jefferson Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-972-5385, email amy.emerson@dcyf.w.gov [amy.emerson@dcyf.wa.gov], website www.dcyf.wa.gov.

May 6, 2026

Brenda Villarreal

Rules Coordinator