The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance child care and early childhood education programs in the state. 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, allowing all eligible children to enroll voluntarily by that time. The legislation introduces a new birth-to-three early childhood education and assistance program for children under 36 months, with eligibility based on family income and participation in specific assistance programs. Additionally, it establishes a phased implementation plan for this program, funded through federal, state, and private sources.

Further modifications include adjustments to income eligibility thresholds for the working connections child care program, allowing families with incomes up to 85% of the state median income to qualify by 2031, and a revised copayment structure for families receiving child care benefits, effective October 2026. The bill also removes work requirements for full-time students seeking benefits, extends the homeless grace period for child care subsidies from four months to twelve months, and emphasizes collective bargaining rights for family child care providers. Other provisions include trauma-informed care supports for eligible providers, a dual language designation for child care providers, and a pilot program to increase access to school-age child care. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain sections expiring or taking effect at later 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
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