Bills seek to clear way for more childcare providers in Washington state

The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings last Wednesday on two bills that seek to modify state and local licensing requirements to encourage and incentivize the expansion of childcare services in Washington state.

Rep. Michelle Caldier said a decade of stricter regulations passed by the Legislature to qualify to operate and work in Washington daycare centers has forced the closure of many and made it very difficult for working parents to find and afford childcare providers.

“When the Legislature created a requirement that childcare workers must earn an early childhood education certificate, and then added minimum square footage requirements and tightened staff-to-children ratio rules, these created enormous barriers against daycare centers,” said Caldier, R-Gig Harbor. “Many mothers and grandmothers do not have these education credentials, but they’ve done a wonderful job raising children. We can still provide safe child care settings without these barriers, which are not necessary.”

According to the Center for American Progress, 63 percent of Washingtonians live in a childcare desert. The group notes that a childcare desert is any census tract with more than 50 children under age five, no childcare providers, or so few options that there are more than three times as many children as licensed childcare slots.

Caldier’s House Bill 1363 would repeal the new early childhood education certificate requirement. It would also reduce the square footage requirement from 35 square feet per child to 34 square feet and slightly adjust staff ratios to serve more children.

“Child care is a fundamental resource for parents. If they cannot get care for their children while they work, they cannot work. Our state is already in an affordability crisis. It often requires both parents to work to put food on the table, pay for medical needs, take care of utilities, clothe their children, and keep a roof over their heads. These additional regulations have created another crisis as families struggle to find accessible, affordable child care. My bill would provide needed relief,” added Caldier.

House Bill 1033, sponsored by Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, would also modify state law to allow counties to adopt and maintain ordinances to license and regulate childcare centers and family home providers.

“I’ve talked with many childcare providers. One of the things they tell me that is most frustrating and creates barriers is the process of childcare licensing. We have established guardrails that would not change, such as keeping children safe and ensuring good security and health policies. This bill, however, would allow more local control from our counties,” said Couture. “Counties could choose to adhere to the licensing options under the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, or they could select local licensing options with minimum established requirements. This would help our local communities match their childcare center needs rather than a one-size-fits-all solution for the entire state.”

Both bills are awaiting committee action.