The bill amends RCW 43.216.580 to enhance the funding and administration of the early support for infants and toddlers program, which provides early intervention services to eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age. It establishes that the department will serve as the state lead agency for Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and outlines the criteria for determining eligibility based on federal and state laws. The bill emphasizes that the services provided will not replace existing state-funded early intervention services.

Additionally, the bill specifies the funding mechanism for the program, which will be based on the annual average head count of eligible children receiving services, multiplied by a distribution formula related to common school enrollment. A key change in the bill is the adjustment of the definition of a child receiving early intervention services, changing the timeframe from "a month prior" to "the same month as" the monthly count day, which is defined as the last business day of the month. This amendment aims to ensure more accurate funding distribution and service provision for eligible children.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.580