The bill aims to modernize reimbursement rates for the Working Connections Child Care Program in Washington State to better reflect the costs of providing high-quality child care. It emphasizes the importance of child care for working families and the economy, noting that many families struggle to find affordable care while providers earn low wages. The legislation builds on previous efforts, particularly the Fair Start for Kids Act of 2021, by establishing a cost of quality child care rate model that accounts for living wages and benefits for providers. This model was developed in consultation with child care providers and aims to ensure that subsidy rates are sufficient to cover the full costs of quality care.

Key amendments to RCW 43.216.828 include maintaining the current baseline reimbursement rate while requiring future recommendations for subsidy rates to be based on the new cost of quality model. The bill specifies that child care subsidy base rates must achieve, at a minimum, the 85th percentile of the market based on recent surveys. It also outlines the factors that should be considered in determining these rates, such as staff salaries, benefits, and educational materials. Additionally, the bill establishes a review process for rate enhancements to support special populations and clarifies that the provisions do not affect the collective bargaining rights of family child care providers until July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.828
Substitute Bill: 43.216.828