The bill aims to enhance the operational efficiency of child care providers in Washington by amending existing licensing standards and introducing new provisions. It mandates the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to implement a single set of licensing standards for child care and early childhood education programs, which must include minimum requirements, rely on established quality standards, consider the unique needs of various child care providers, and ensure safety. Notably, the bill introduces provisions for maximum group sizes and staff-to-child ratios, allowing for mixed-ratio time where children of different ages can be combined under specific conditions.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section that allows the department to waive the preservice requirement for early learning program orientation for individuals who have previously completed the orientation within the last five years, provided that the content and licensing process have not changed significantly and there has been no break in service. This change is intended to streamline the licensing process and reduce barriers for experienced child care providers.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.216.255
Substitute bill: 43.216.255