Wash. Rev. Code § 43.216.578

Current through 2024

Section 43.216.578 - [Effective 7/1/2026] Birth to three early childhood education and assistance program

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer a birth to three early childhood education and assistance program for eligible children under thirty-six months old. Funds to implement the program may include a combination of federal, state, or private sources.

(2) The department may adopt rules to implement the program and may waive or adapt early childhood education and assistance program requirements when necessary to allow for the operation of the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program. The department shall consider early head start rules and regulations when developing the provider and family eligibility requirements and program requirements.

(3)

(a) The birth to three early childhood education and assistance program must be delivered through child care centers and family home providers who meet minimum licensing standards and are enrolled in the early achievers program.

(b) The department must determine minimum early achievers ratings scores for participating contractors.

(4) To be eligible for the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program, a child must be under 36 months old and either:

(a) From a family with a household income at or below 50 percent of the state median income; or

(b) A member of an assistance unit that is eligible for or is receiving basic food benefits under the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program or the state food assistance program.

RCW 43.216.578

Amended by 2024 c 225,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2026.

Amended by 2024 c 225,§ 5, eff. 6/6/2024, exp. 7/1/2026.

Amended by 2021 c 199,§ 403, eff. 7/1/2026.

2019 c 408 § 8.

Effective dates- 2024 c 225 s s 2, 4, and 6: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

Effective date- 2021 c 199 s s 204-206 and 403: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

Findings-Intent- 2021 c 199 s s 402-405: See note following RCW 43.216.577.

Short title-Findings-Intent-Conflict with federal requirements- 2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

Findings-Intent- 2019 c 408: See note following RCW 43.216.512.

This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.