The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance child care and early childhood development programs. A significant change is the extension of the timeline for full implementation of the early learning program from the 2026-27 school year to the 2030-31 school year. It introduces a new early childhood education and assistance program for children under 36 months, with eligibility based on family income and participation in specific assistance programs. The bill also revises income eligibility thresholds for the working connections child care program, allowing families with incomes up to 75% of the state median income to qualify by 2029, and up to 85% by 2031, while modifying the copayment structure based on income levels.

Additionally, the legislation emphasizes support for working families and access to affordable child care by allowing full-time students in bachelor's or applied baccalaureate programs to receive benefits and recognizing participation in early childhood education programs for eligibility in working connections child care benefits. It mandates trauma-informed care supports for providers and establishes a dual language designation for those offering bilingual instruction. New rules for child care subsidies include requirements for prospective payments and restrictions on claiming payments for children who have not attended at least one day in the previous month. The bill also outlines a pilot program to increase access to school-age child care and includes provisions for a biennial cost of quality child care study. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain sections having different effective dates.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.556, 43.216.505, 43.216.513, 43.216.600, 43.216.772, 43.216.806, 43.216.590, 43.216.090, 43.216.592, 43.216.587, 43.216.512
Substitute Bill: 43.216.556, 43.216.505, 43.216.513, 43.216.600, 43.216.772, 43.216.806, 43.216.590, 43.216.090, 43.216.592, 43.216.587, 43.216.512
Engrossed Substitute: 43.216.556, 43.216.505, 43.216.578, 43.216.806, 43.216.590, 43.216.090, 43.216.592, 43.216.512, 43.01.036
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.216.556, 43.216.505, 43.216.578, 43.216.804, 43.216.806, 43.216.590, 43.216.090, 43.216.592, 43.216.512, 43.01.036