Washington § 26.44.272 - Family assessment — Assessment for child safety and well-being — Referral to preschool, child care, or early learning programs — Communicating with and assisting families.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.44.272 — Family assessment — Assessment for child safety and well-being — Referral to preschool, child care, or early learning programs — Communicating with and assisting families., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.44.272. Family assessment — Assessment for child safety and well-being — Referral to preschool, child care, or early learning programs — Communicating with and assisting families.

(1) The family assessment response worker must assess for child safety and child well-being when collaborating with a family to determine the need for child care, preschool, or home visiting services and, as appropriate, the family assessment response worker must refer children to preschool programs that are enrolled in the early achievers program and rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 unless:
(a) The family lives in an area with no local preschool programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program;
(b) The local preschool programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program are not able to meet the needs of the child; or
(c) The child is attending a preschool program prior to participating in family assessment response and the parent or caregiver does not want the child to change preschool programs.
(2) The family assessment response worker may make child care referrals for nonschool-aged children to licensed child care programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program described in *RCW 43.215.100 unless:
(a) The family lives in an area with no local programs that rate at level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program;
(b) The local child care programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program are not able to meet the needs of the child; or
(c) The child is attending a child care program prior to participating in family assessment response and the parent or caregiver does not want the child to change child care programs.
(3) The family assessment response worker shall, when appropriate, provide referrals to high quality child care and early learning programs.
(4) The family assessment response worker shall, when appropriate, provide referrals to state and federally subsidized programs such as, but not limited to, licensed child care programs that receive state subsidy pursuant to *RCW 43.215.135; early childhood education and assistance programs; head start programs; and early head start programs.
(5) Prior to closing the family assessment response case, the family assessment response worker must, when appropriate, discuss child care and early learning services with the child's parent or caregiver.
If the family plans to use child care or early learning services, the family assessment response worker must work with the family to facilitate enrollment.
[ 2014 c 160 s 1.]

Notes

*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.100 and 43.215.135 were recodified as RCW 43.216.085 and 43.216.135, respectively, pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.44.272

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.44.272 cover?

Section 26.44.272 ("Family assessment — Assessment for child safety and well-being — Referral to preschool, child care, or early learning programs — Communicating with and assisting families.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 26.44.272?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.44.272" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 26.44.272 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.