Bill > SB5500

This bill aims to modernize and improve the working connections child care program by establishing a more comprehensive and equitable approach to setting child care subsidy reimbursement rates. The bill recognizes the current challenges in the child care system, including difficulties for families finding affordable care and low wages for child care workers. It requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to use a new "cost of quality child care rate model" when recommending subsidy rates, which considers fixed costs such as staff salaries based on living wages, employee benefits, professional development, educational materials, and family engagement activities. The bill maintains the existing baseline reimbursement rate at the 85th percentile of the market and mandates that future rate recommendations must not fall below this level. Additionally, the department must review and recommend rate enhancements for special populations like infants and children with special needs every three years. The legislation builds upon the 2021 Fair Start for Kids Act and aims to create a more sustainable child care infrastructure that supports both working families and child care providers. Until July 1, 2027, these provisions will not apply to existing collective bargaining agreements for family child care providers.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5500&Year=2025&Initiative=false