SB 6253 — Creating a comprehensive statewide early care and education system by improving accessibility and affordability of early care and education programs for families.

S-5721.3SUBSTITUTES-5067.2SENATE SENATE BILL 6253State of Washington66th Legislature2020 Regular SessionBySenateSessionBySenators Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Wilson, C., Billig, Wellman, Kuderer, Randall, Salomon, Conway, Das, Nguyen, Darneille, and Hunt)READHuntRead FIRSTfirst TIMEtime 01/28/20.AN01/14/20.Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.AN ACT Relating to creating a comprehensive statewide early care and education system by improving accessibility and affordability of early care and education programs for families;

amending RCW 43.216.555, 43.216.556, 43.216.505, 43.216.514, 43.216.512, 43.216.675, 43.216.680, and 43.216.710;

The legislature finds that studies affirmsuggest that dual language programs are especially beneficial for dual language learners in developing the building blocks for early literacy, numeracy skills, and English language development.(4) The legislature resolves to expand existing early childhood education and assistance program services to create a statewide system of preschool education that is affordable and accessible to Washington families.Sec.

A new section is added to chapter 43.216 RCW to read as follows:COPAYMENT.(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, beginning in the 2028-29 school year, families with incomes above seventy percent of the state median income, adjusted for family size, may enroll in the early childhood education and assistance program, as space is available, if the families pay a tuition copayment according to the following schedule:If a family's income is:Then the family's copayment is:Above seventy percent and up to eighty percent of the state median incomeSeven percent of the family's gross incomeAbove eighty percent and up to ninety percent of the state median incomeEight percent of the family's gross incomeAbove ninety percent and up to one hundred percent of the state median incomeNine percent of the family's gross incomeAbove one hundred percent of the state median incomeTen percent of the family's gross income(2) The department shall prioritize children for enrollment in the early childhood education and assistance program who are eligible pursuant to RCW 43.216.505.(3) Families with a child enrolled in the early childhood education and assistance program under this section and receiving working connections child care benefits for that child shall pay only one copayment for that child.(4) For each family above one hundred percent of the state median income who has a copayment higher than the slot rate payment, the early childhood education and assistance program provider shall only receive the copayment.(5) Children enrolled in the early childhood education and assistance program under this section are not considered eligible children as defined in RCW 43.216.505 and are not considered to be part of the state-funded entitlement required in RCW 43.216.556.NEW SECTION.  Sec.

(1)A Bynew Decembersection 1,is 2020,added theto departmentchapter of43.216 children,RCW youth,to andread familiesas mustfollows:INCLUSIVE submitCLASSROOMS.(1) Subject to the governoravailability andof theamounts appropriateappropriated committeesfor ofthis specific purpose, the legislaturedepartment recommendationsmust onpartner with the feasibilityoffice of usingthe areasuperintendent medianof incomepublic instruction to determinedevelop eligibilityguidance on placing children who are eligible for thespecial education due to a disability under RCW 28A.155.020 in early childhood education and assistance program andclassrooms as a least restrictive environment in a student's individualized education program.(2) Subject to the workingavailability connectionsof amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must support professional development in inclusionary and antibias practices for early childhood education and assistance program classrooms and child care program.centers and family home providers with a focus on reducing suspensions and expulsions.NEW SECTION.  Sec.

The department must consider other eligibility measures that account for urban and rural communities.(2) This section expires August 1, 2021.NEW SECTION.  Sec.

A new section is added to chapter 43.216 RCW to read as follows:INCLUSIVEfollows:DUAL LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS.(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must partner with the office of the superintendent of public instruction to developalign guidancedual onlanguage placingprogram childrenimplementation who are eligible for special education due to a disability under RCW 28A.155.020 in early childhood education and assistanceworkforce programdevelopment classroomsplanning.(2) as a least restrictive environment in a student's individualized education program.(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must support professional development infor inclusionarydual andlanguage antibiasprogramming practices for early childhood education and assistance program classroomsclassrooms.Sec. and child care centers and family home providers with a focus on understanding behavior as communication and collaborative problem solving, and promoting membership, belonging, social-emotional development, and learning.NEW SECTION.  Sec.

A new section is added to chapter 43.216 RCW to read as follows:DUAL LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS.(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must partner with the office of the superintendent of public instruction to align dual language program implementation and workforce development planning.(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must support professional development for dual language programming for early childhood education and assistance program classrooms and culturally and linguistically appropriate practices for early childhood education and assistance program providers, child care providers, and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers.Sec.

110.

111.110.

112.111.

A new section is added to chapter 43.216 RCW to read as follows:WORKING CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE COPAYMENT.(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall establish and implement policies in the working connections child care program to allow eligibility for applicants and consumers who pay a copayment in accordance with the schedules in this section.(2) In addition to other eligibility requirements, the department shall calculate the applicant's or consumer's copayment, adjusted for family size, in accordance with this section, whether care is provided under a working connections child care voucher or contract.(a) Beginning July 1, 2021:If an applicant's or consumer's income is:Then the applicant's or consumer's copayment is:At or below twenty-five percent of the state median income$15 or seven percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income, whichever is lessAbove twenty-five percent and up to forty percent of the state median income$65 or seven percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income, whichever is lessAbove forty percent and up to fifty percent of the state median income$115 or seven percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income, whichever is less(b) Beginning July 1, 2022:If an applicant's or consumer's income is:Then the applicant's or consumer's copayment is:Above fifty percent and up to sixty percent of the state median income$165 or seven percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income, whichever is lessAbove sixty percent and up to seventy percent of the state median income$215 or seven percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income, whichever is less(c) Beginning July 1, 2023:If an applicant's or consumer's income is:Then the applicant's or consumer's copayment is:Above seventy percent and up to eighty percent of the state median incomeSeven percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income(d) Beginning July 1, 2024:If an applicant's or consumer's income is:Then the applicant's or consumer's copayment is:Above eighty percent and up to ninety percent of the state median incomeEight percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income(e) Beginning July 1, 2025:If an applicant's or consumer's income is:Then the applicant's or consumer's copayment is:Above ninety percent and up to one hundred percent of the state median incomeNine percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income(f) Beginning July 1, 2026:If an applicant's or consumer's income is:Then the applicant's or consumer's copayment is:Above one hundred percent of the state median incomeTen percent of the applicant's or consumer's gross income(3)incomeSec. For each applicant or consumer above one hundred percent of the state median income who has a copayment higher than the subsidy payment, the child care provider shall only receive the copayment.Sec.

This system must also coordinate and leverage the work of the child care provider shared services hubs described in subsection (2) of this sectionsection.(2) and the statewide child care resource and referral network.(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall provide or contract to provide one or more shared services hubs that allow the ongoing pooling and shared use of services by licensed and certified child care centers and family home providers.(a) The shared services hubs may include, but are not limited to, the following services:(i) Shared comprehensive services may include developmental and health screenings, mental health and nurse consultation, health advisory and parent policy councils, assessments for one-on-one behavioral support aides, interpretation and translation services, and coordination with a local or statewide family linkage system that connects families with young children to appropriate community resources and services.(ii) Shared business services may include support with fee collection and financial management, human resources and payroll services, regional substitute pools, and business coaching and training.(iii) Shared pedagogical resources may include leadership development, reflective supervision for child care center administrators, curricula, and training for early achievers coaches.(b) Shared services hubs must be located in different geographic regions of the state and serve diverse demographic groups.(c) By July 1, 2022, the department shall report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature on the effectiveness of the shared services hub model in creating administrative efficiencies, realizing cost savings for child care providers and the department, increasing the responsiveness of providers to the needs of families, and building capacity for inclusive and trauma-informed services.

A new section is added to chapter 28A.310 RCW to read as follows:PREKINDERGARTEN THROUGH THIRD GRADE SYSTEMS COORDINATORS.(1) Each educational service district must designate a prekindergarten through third grade systems coordinator.(2) At a minimum, each prekindergarten through third grade systems coordinator must:(a) Provide statewide, regional, and local leadership to strengthen and align the transition between the early learning system and the K-12 educational system;(b) Support the equitable expansion of early learning programs and the closing of opportunity gaps for the state's youngest learners;(c) In partnership with the department of children, youth, and families, align regional early learning efforts with other statewide initiatives;(d) In partnership with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, provide support and technical assistance to school districts in the development of high-quality early learning environments and braided funding program models;(e) In conjunction with the family resource and referral linkage system and the child care provider shared services hubs described in section 302 of this act, connect early learning providers, school districts, and other early learning stakeholders to leverage existing resources and expertise;(f)expertise;(e) Increase cross-sector coordination of resources and supports, especially for children impacted by trauma;(g)trauma;(f) Inform shared professional development opportunities and inform providers with various training and education within the region;

and(h)and(g) Provide support and technical assistance.NEW SECTION.  Sec.

A new section is added to chapter 43.216 RCW to read as follows:FAMILY, FRIEND, AND NEIGHBOR CAREGIVERS.(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must support family, friend, and neighbor caregivers by:(a) Expanding play and learn groups throughout the statestate;(b) Integrating family, friend, and providingneighbor curriculumcaregivers ininto additionalhome languages;visiting programs;

and(b)and(c) Developing models to offer child care health consultations and mental health service in a culturally relevant context with a variety of modalities.(2) The department must provide the supports described in subsection (1) of this section to families involved in the child welfare system and kinship caregivers.PART IVEXPANDING SUPPORT TO PROVIDERS AND PARENTSNEW SECTION.  Sec.

CHILDA CAREnew SUBSIDYsection RATES.Theis sumadded ofto fiftychapter million43.216 dollars,RCW orto read as muchfollows:CHILD thereofCARE asSUBSIDY mayRATES.(1) beSubject necessary,to isthe availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the fiscaldepartment yearshall endingincrease Junesubsidy 30,rates 2021,for fromlicensed thechild generalcare fundproviders toas follows:(a) Beginning July 1, 2020, subsidy base rates must achieve the departmentsixtieth percentile of children,market youth,based andon familiesthe solelymarket forrate survey conducted by the purposedepartment.(b) ofBeginning increasingJuly 1, 2021, subsidy base rates formust licensedachieve childthe careseventieth providerspercentile toof market based on the market rate survey conducted by the department.(c) Beginning July 1, 2023, subsidy base rates must achieve the seventiethseventy-fifth percentile of market based on the market rate survey conducted by the department.NEWdepartment.(d) SECTION.  Sec.Beginning July 1, 2024, subsidy rates must be based on the child care cost model developed under RCW 43.330.527 and referenced in RCW 43.216.749 unless the child care cost model generates subsidy rates lower than subsidy rates generated by (c) of this subsection.(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall adjust subsidy rates according to an inflationary increase in accordance with this section beginning July 1, 2023.

404.

A new section is added to chapter 43.216 RCW to read as follows:CHILD CARE SUBSIDY RATES AND INFLATION.(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall increase subsidy rates for licensed child care providers as follows:(a) Beginning July 1, 2021, subsidy base rates must achieve the seventy-fifth percentile of market based on the market rate survey conducted by the department.(b) Beginning July 1, 2022, subsidy rates must be based on the child care cost model developed under RCW 43.330.527 and referenced in RCW 43.216.749 unless the child care cost model generates subsidy rates lower than subsidy rates generated by (a) of this subsection.(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall adjust subsidy rates according to an inflationary increase in accordance with this section beginning July 1, 2023.

404.

CAREER AND WAGE LADDER.The sum of ten million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, from the general fund to the department of children, youth, and families solely for the purpose of implementing the career and wage ladder as described in RCW 43.216.675 and 43.216.680.NEW SECTION.  Sec.

CAREER AND WAGE LADDER.The sum of ten million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, from the general fund to the department of children, youth, and families solely for the purpose of implementing the career and wage ladder as described in RCW 43.216.675 and 43.216.680.Sec.

406.

RCW 43.216.675 and 2006 c 265 s 205 are each amended to read as follows:CAREER AND WAGE LADDER.(1) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall establish a child care career and wage ladder in licensed child care centers and family home providers that meet the following criteria:

(a) At least ten percent of child care slots are dedicated to children whose care is subsidized by the state or any political subdivision thereof or any local government;

and (b) the center or family home provider agrees to adopt the child care career and wage ladder, which, at a minimum, shall be at the same pay schedule as existed in the previous child care career and wage ladder pilot project((;

and (c) the center meets further program standards as established by rule pursuant to section 4, chapter 507, Laws of 2005)).The child care career and wage ladder shall include wage increments for levels of education, years of relevant experience, levels of work responsibility, relevant early childhood education credits, and relevant requirements in the state training and registry system.(2) The department shall establish procedures for the allocation of funds to implement the child care career and wage ladder among child care centers and family home providers meeting the criteria identified in subsection (1) of this section.

In developing these procedures, the department shall:(a) Review past efforts or administration of the child care career and wage ladder pilot project in order to take advantage of any findings, recommendations, or administrative practices that contributed to that pilot project's success;(b) Consult with stakeholders, including organizations representing child care teachers and providers, in developing an allocation formula that incorporates consideration of geographic and demographic distribution of child care centers and family home providers adopting the child care career and wage ladder;

and(c) Develop a system for prioritizing child care centers and family home providers interested in adopting the child care career and wage ladder that is based on the criteria identified in subsection (1) of this section.(3) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, child care centers and family home providers meeting the criteria in subsection (1) of this section located in urban areas of the department of social and health services region one shall receive a minimum of fifteen percent of the funds allocated through the child care career and wage ladder, and of these ((centers))child care providers, child care centers meeting the criteria in subsection (1) of this section participating in the Spokane tiered reimbursement pilot project shall have first priority for child care career and wage ladder funding.Sec.

407.

RCW 43.216.680 and 2013 c 39 s 20 are each amended to read as follows:CAREER AND WAGE LADDER.Child care centers and family home providers adopting the child care career and wage ladder established pursuant to RCW ((43.215.505))43.216.675 shall increase wages for child care workers who have earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate as provided in RCW 28B.50.536, gain additional years of experience, or accept increasing levels of responsibility in providing child care, in accordance with the child care career and wage ladder.

The adoption of a child care career and wage ladder shall not prohibit the provision of wage increases based upon merit.

The department shall pay wage increments for child care workers employed by child care centers and family home providers adopting the child care career and wage ladder established pursuant to RCW ((43.215.505))43.216.675 who earn early childhood education credits or meet relevant requirements in the state training and registry system, in accordance with the child care career and wage ladder.NEW SECTION.  Sec.

408.

409.406.

410.407.

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These organizations may carry out needs assessments, resource development, provider training, technical assistance, and parent information and training in multiple languages to ensure the system is accessible to families and providers;(2) Actively seek public and private money for distribution as grants to the statewide child care providers.resource and referral network and to existing or potential local child care resource and referral organizations;(3) Adopt rules regarding the application for and distribution of grants to local child care resource and referral organizations.