This bill aims to improve affordable child care options in Washington by reducing barriers for providers and amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It establishes a policy that recognizes the family as a vital social unit and promotes equal access to quality child care. Key provisions include new legal language to ensure consistent licensing enforcement for children's health and safety, while allowing flexibility in early learning programs through waivers from state agency rules. The bill also emphasizes a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for licensed or certified child care providers, streamlining licensing standards, and creating a professional development pathway for participants in the early achievers program.

Additionally, the bill introduces a birth to three early childhood education and assistance program for eligible children under 36 months, funded through various sources, and mandates annual reporting on its implementation. It establishes a licensed outdoor nature-based child care program and clarifies that local governments cannot prohibit family day care providers from using residential dwellings. The bill also amends definitions related to child care and early childhood education, outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and establishes a new oversight board for children, youth, and families to monitor departmental performance. Notably, it deletes the requirement for the board to review inspection reports and introduces new sections with expiration dates for certain provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.660, 43.216.065, 43.216.250, 43.216.255, 43.216.085, 43.216.087, 43.216.089, 43.216.090, 43.216.110, 43.216.135, 43.216.515, 43.216.555, 43.216.578, 43.216.742, 43.31.575, 26.44.272, 36.70A.450, 43.216.015