Bill > HB1363

This bill modifies licensing requirements for child care and early learning providers in Washington state, making several key changes to existing regulations. The bill updates the Secretary of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families' duties regarding licensing, including the development of separate requirements for different types of child care facilities. Notably, the bill introduces new standards for child care centers, specifying maximum group sizes and staff-to-child ratios: for preschoolers (30 months to 6 years), a maximum of 21 children with a ratio of at least 1 staff member to 11 children, and for school-age children (5-12 years), a maximum of 31 children with a ratio of at least 1 staff member to 16 children. The bill also mandates that licensed indoor early learning spaces must provide a minimum of 34 square feet per child. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that providers are not required to obtain early childhood education certification as part of staff qualification requirements, and it removes the requirement for community-based training pathways. The bill continues to emphasize professional development supports for child care providers, including trainings, scholarships, and support for nonprofit organizations that assist providers in developing their businesses and improving care quality.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1363&Year=2025&Initiative=false