The bill seeks to enhance child care and early childhood development programs in Washington State by amending several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Notable changes include extending the timeline for the full implementation of the early learning program from the 2026-27 school year to the 2030-31 school year, allowing all eligible children to enroll voluntarily once operational. It also introduces a phased implementation plan for a birth-to-three early childhood education and assistance program, targeting children under 36 months with eligibility based on family income and participation in specific assistance programs. Additionally, the bill 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 July 2029, and up to 85% by July 2031.

Further amendments include provisions for full-time students in vocational or degree programs to be exempt from work requirements, recognition of participation in early childhood education programs for eligibility in working connections child care benefits, and the establishment of trauma-informed care supports for eligible providers. The bill also mandates prospective payments to child care providers accepting subsidies, requires a biennial cost of quality child care study, and extends the homeless grace period for child care subsidies from four months to twelve months. It emphasizes prioritization for enrollment in early childhood education programs based on risk factors and ensures that collective bargaining rights for family child care providers are not compromised.

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
Session Law: 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