Bill > HB1082

This bill addresses qualifications for child care providers by allowing licensed providers until at least August 1, 2028, to demonstrate experience-based competency as an alternative means of meeting certain education certification requirements. Specifically, providers can qualify if they have: active employment in a position requiring an early childhood education certificate, continuous employment in a licensed child care center or family home since August 1, 2021 (or seven cumulative years of employment), and completion of required health, safety, and child care training. The bill also requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to create a process that automatically recognizes providers who meet these criteria without requiring them to submit additional applications. Additionally, the bill mandates the department to convene a stakeholder group including various child care providers, advocacy organizations, and educational representatives to identify strategies for improving staff qualification requirements, with a report to the legislature due by December 1, 2026. The bill does not prevent the department from establishing more restrictive requirements for certain programs, such as the early childhood education and assistance program, and includes provisions for recognizing out-of-state education and training.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1082&Year=2025&Initiative=false