Washington § 43.216.578 - 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)(a) To be eligible for the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program, a child must be under 36 months old and either:

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

(ii) 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.

(b) Enrollment of children in the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program is as space is available and subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose.

Expiration date—2025 c 412 s 3: "Section 3 of this act expires July 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 412 s 20.]

Effective dates—2025 c 412 ss 2 and 4: See note following RCW 43.216.505.

Expiration date—2025 c 412; 2024 c 225 ss 3 and 5: See note following RCW 43.216.512.

Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2025 c 412: See notes following RCW 43.216.556.

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

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

Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 ss 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.