in-20250827-IR-470250323IFA: EARLY CHILDHOOD CAREGIVERS

TITLE 470 DIVISION OF FAMILY RESOURCES Interim Final Rule LSA Document #25-323 DIGEST EARLY CHILDHOOD CAREGIVERS Temporarily supersedes and supplements rules concerning early childhood caregivers. Effective August 15, 2025. Expires October 14, 2026. HISTORY Notice of Public Comment Period for Interim Rule published July 2, 2025: 20250702-IR-470250323INA Regulatory Analysis submitted with Notice of Public Comment Period for Interim Rule: 20250702-IR-470250323RAA Governor's Approval submitted with Notice of Public Comment Period for Interim Rule: 20250702-IR-470250323GAA SUMMARY/RESPONSE TO COMMENTS The Division of Family Resources (DFR) requested public comment on the proposed interim rule from July 2, 2025, through August 1, 2025. The comments received and DFR's responses to the comments are summarized as follows: Ralph Shenefelt, Senior Vice President, Health and Safety Institute (“HSI”) Comment: HSI suggested amendments to the proposed rule that change the expiration date of current training, make clear that pediatric training is a requirement, and remove requirements surrounding what the training entails. Response: DFR appreciates these comments, but at this time, the rule is solely being amended on an interim basis in order to comply with SEA 463-2025, and no changes to the proposed rule are necessary. INTERIM RULE Age of the Youngest Child in the Group Maximum Number of Children Supervised by One Caregiver Maximum Number of Children in One Group Infant (6 weeks - 12 months) 5 12 Toddler 12 - 17 months 5 12 18 - 23 months 6 14 24 - 29 months 8 16 30 – 35 months 9 17 3 years (36 - 47 months) 11 25 4 years (48 - 59 months) 13 29 5 years (60 - 71 months) 17 31 6 years and older (72 months and older) 20 40