Bill > SB5279

This bill addresses qualifications for child care providers by allowing licensed providers until August 1, 2028, to demonstrate experience-based competency as an alternative to holding specific early childhood education certificates. To qualify, providers must have continuous employment in a licensed child care center or family home since August 1, 2021 (or seven cumulative years of employment), be actively employed in a position requiring an early childhood education certificate, and have completed required health, safety, and child care training. The bill requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to proactively recognize providers who meet these criteria without requiring them to submit additional applications. Additionally, the bill mandates the department to convene a stakeholder group representing various child care providers, training organizations, and advocacy groups to identify strategies for improving staff qualification requirements, including ways to streamline administrative rules and recognize out-of-state education and training. The stakeholder group must report to the legislature by December 1, 2026, with their identified strategies and implementation plans, with the stakeholder group provision expiring on July 1, 2028. The bill does not prevent the department from establishing more restrictive requirements for certain programs like the early childhood education and assistance program.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5279&Year=2025&Initiative=false