This bill seeks to enhance child care and early childhood development programs in Washington State by extending the full implementation timeline of the early learning program to the 2030-31 school year. It revises the definition of "family with financial need," increasing the income threshold from 36% to 50% of the state median income starting in the same school year. The legislation introduces an infant rate enhancement for licensed child care providers and emphasizes professional development for these providers. Additionally, it repeals outdated provisions related to early childhood education and assistance programs and establishes new funding strategies to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care for working families, expanding eligibility to families with incomes up to 75% of the state median income by 2029.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the eligibility and copayment structure for the Working Connections Child Care program, allowing families with annual incomes between 75% and 85% of the state median income to qualify for assistance starting July 1, 2031. It mandates that eligibility be determined based on household income for those receiving basic food benefits beginning November 1, 2024, and prohibits considering a child's citizenship status in eligibility determinations. A new copayment schedule will be implemented on July 1, 2025, with specific amounts based on household income levels. The bill also emphasizes trauma-informed care and mental health consultation services for child care providers, ensuring support for children with complex needs while streamlining eligibility criteria and support for families and providers.

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