Modernizes child care subsidy rates in Washington to better reflect the cost of providing quality care.

The bill aims to modernize reimbursement rates for the Working Connections child care program in Washington. It mandates that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families use a cost of quality child care rate model to recommend subsidy rates. These rates must compensate licensed or certified child care providers for the full costs of providing high-quality care, including living wages for providers. The model incorporates factors such as living wages, benefits, family engagement activities, and professional development supports.

Modernizes child care subsidy rates in Washington to better reflect the cost of providing quality care.

The bill aims to modernize reimbursement rates for the Working Connections child care program in Washington. It mandates that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families use a cost of quality child care rate model to recommend subsidy rates. These rates must compensate licensed or certified child care providers for the full costs of providing high-quality care, including living wages for providers. The model incorporates factors such as living wages, benefits, family engagement activities, and professional development supports.