Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 43.216 - Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
43.216.505 - Definitions.

RCW 43.216.505
Definitions. (Effective until July 1, 2026.)

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.559, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901.
(1) "Advisory committee" means the advisory committee under RCW 43.216.520.
(2) "Approved programs" means those state-supported education and special assistance programs which are recognized by the department as meeting the minimum program rules adopted by the department to qualify under RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.550, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901 and are designated as eligible for funding by the department under RCW 43.216.530 and 43.216.540.
(3) "Comprehensive" means an assistance program that focuses on the needs of the child and includes education, health, and family support services.
(4) "Eligible child" means a three to five-year old child who is not age-eligible for kindergarten, is not a participant in a federal or state program providing comprehensive services, and who:
(a) Has a family income at or below one hundred ten percent of the federal poverty level, as published annually by the federal department of health and human services;
(b) Is eligible for special education due to disability under RCW 28A.155.020; or
(c) Meets criteria under rules adopted by the department if the number of such children equals not more than ten percent of the total enrollment in the early childhood program. Preference for enrollment in this group shall be given to children from families with the lowest income, children in foster care, or to eligible children from families with multiple needs.
(5) "Family support services" means providing opportunities for parents to:
(a) Actively participate in their child's early childhood program;
(b) Increase their knowledge of child development and parenting skills;
(c) Further their education and training;
(d) Increase their ability to use needed services in the community;
(e) Increase their self-reliance.
(6) "Homeless" means a child without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as described in the federal McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act (Title 42 U.S.C., chapter 119, subchapter VI, part B) as it existed on January 1, 2021.

[ 2021 c 67 § 1; 2019 c 408 § 2; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 § 210; 2014 c 160 § 4; 2014 c 160 § 3; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 § 4. Prior: 2010 c 231 § 7; 2006 c 265 § 210; 1999 c 350 § 1; 1994 c 166 § 2; 1990 c 33 § 213; 1988 c 174 § 2; 1985 c 418 § 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.405, 28A.215.110, 28A.34A.020.]
NOTES:

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


Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 §§ 102, 104-115, 201-227, 301-337, 401-419, 501-513, 801-803, and 805-822: See note following RCW 43.216.025.


Effective date—2014 c 160 § 4: "Section 4 of this act takes effect June 30, 2018." [ 2014 c 160 § 5.]


Findings—Intent—2013 2nd sp.s. c 16: "The legislature finds that high quality early learning opportunities are an important factor in lifelong success. The legislature is committed to expanding high quality evidence-based early learning opportunities in order to improve educational outcomes. The legislature further finds that moving toward effective and research-based practices are critical in achieving educational and societal outcomes from early learning investments. The legislature intends to continue improvements in early learning through ongoing evaluation, application of emerging research, and enhanced quality assurance. It is the intent of the legislature that additional investments in early learning will be based on current information regarding the most efficient, research-based, and cost-effective investments." [ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 § 1.]


Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.


Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: "The legislature finds that the early childhood education and assistance program provides for the educational, social, health, nutritional, and cultural development of children at risk of failure when they reach school age. The long-term benefits to society in the form of greater educational attainment, employment, and projected lifetime earnings as well as the savings to be realized, from lower crime rates, welfare support, and reduced teenage pregnancy, have been demonstrated through lifelong research of at-risk children and early childhood programs.
The legislature intends to encourage development of community partnerships for children at risk by authorizing a program of voluntary grants and contributions from business and community organizations to increase opportunities for children to participate in early childhood education." [ 1994 c 166 § 3; 1988 c 174 § 1.]


Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.559, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901.
(1) "Advisory committee" means the advisory committee under RCW 43.216.520.
(2) "Approved programs" means those state-supported education and special assistance programs which are recognized by the department as meeting the minimum program rules adopted by the department to qualify under RCW 43.216.500 through 43.216.550, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901 and are designated as eligible for funding by the department under RCW 43.216.530 and 43.216.540.
(3) "Comprehensive" means an assistance program that focuses on the needs of the child and includes education, health, and family support services.
(4) "Eligible child" means a three to five-year old child who is not age-eligible for kindergarten, is not a participant in a federal or state program providing comprehensive services, and who:
(a) Has a family with financial need;
(b) Is experiencing homelessness;
(c) Has participated in early head start or a successor federal program providing comprehensive services for children from birth through two years of age, the early support for infants and toddlers program or received class C developmental services, the birth to three early childhood education and assistance program, or the early childhood intervention and prevention services program;
(d) Is eligible for special education due to disability under RCW 28A.155.020;
(e) Is Indian as defined in rule by the department after consultation and agreement with Washington state's federally recognized tribes pursuant to RCW 43.216.5052 and is at or below 100 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size; or
(f) Meets criteria under rules adopted by the department if the number of such children equals not more than ten percent of the total enrollment in the early childhood program. Preference for enrollment in this group shall be given to children from families with the lowest income, children in foster care, or to eligible children from families with multiple needs.
(5) "Experiencing homelessness" means a child without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as described in the federal McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act (Title 42 U.S.C., chapter 119, subchapter VI, part B) as it existed on January 1, 2021.
(6) "Family support services" means providing opportunities for parents to:
(a) Actively participate in their child's early childhood program;
(b) Increase their knowledge of child development and parenting skills;
(c) Further their education and training;
(d) Increase their ability to use needed services in the community;
(e) Increase their self-reliance; and
(f) Connect with culturally competent, disability positive therapists and supports where appropriate.
(7) "Family with financial need" means families with incomes at or below 36 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size until the 2030-31 school year. Beginning in the 2030-31 school year, "family with financial need" means families with incomes at or below 50 percent of the state median income adjusted for family size.

[ 2021 c 199 § 204; 2021 c 67 § 1; 2019 c 408 § 2; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 § 210; 2014 c 160 § 4; 2014 c 160 § 3; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 § 4. Prior: 2010 c 231 § 7; 2006 c 265 § 210; 1999 c 350 § 1; 1994 c 166 § 2; 1990 c 33 § 213; 1988 c 174 § 2; 1985 c 418 § 2. Formerly RCW 43.215.405, 28A.215.110, 28A.34A.020.]
NOTES:

Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).


Effective date—2021 c 199 §§ 204-206 and 403: "Sections 204 through 206 and 403 of this act take effect July 1, 2026." [ 2021 c 199 § 604.]


Findings—Intent—2021 c 199 §§ 204-208: See note following RCW 43.216.513.


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.


Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 §§ 102, 104-115, 201-227, 301-337, 401-419, 501-513, 801-803, and 805-822: See note following RCW 43.216.025.


Effective date—2014 c 160 § 4: "Section 4 of this act takes effect June 30, 2018." [ 2014 c 160 § 5.]


Findings—Intent—2013 2nd sp.s. c 16: "The legislature finds that high quality early learning opportunities are an important factor in lifelong success. The legislature is committed to expanding high quality evidence-based early learning opportunities in order to improve educational outcomes. The legislature further finds that moving toward effective and research-based practices are critical in achieving educational and societal outcomes from early learning investments. The legislature intends to continue improvements in early learning through ongoing evaluation, application of emerging research, and enhanced quality assurance. It is the intent of the legislature that additional investments in early learning will be based on current information regarding the most efficient, research-based, and cost-effective investments." [ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 16 § 1.]


Effective date—1994 c 166: See note following RCW 43.216.500.


Findings—1994 c 166; 1988 c 174: "The legislature finds that the early childhood education and assistance program provides for the educational, social, health, nutritional, and cultural development of children at risk of failure when they reach school age. The long-term benefits to society in the form of greater educational attainment, employment, and projected lifetime earnings as well as the savings to be realized, from lower crime rates, welfare support, and reduced teenage pregnancy, have been demonstrated through lifelong research of at-risk children and early childhood programs.
The legislature intends to encourage development of community partnerships for children at risk by authorizing a program of voluntary grants and contributions from business and community organizations to increase opportunities for children to participate in early childhood education." [ 1994 c 166 § 3; 1988 c 174 § 1.]

Structure Revised Code of Washington

Revised Code of Washington

Title 43 - State Government—Executive

Chapter 43.216 - Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

43.216.005 - Findings.

43.216.010 - Definitions.

43.216.015 - Department of children, youth, and families—Created—Duties—Agency performance data—Oversight board for children, youth, and families—Powers and restrictions—Stakeholder meetings.

43.216.020 - Department duties.

43.216.022 - Annual quality assurance report.

43.216.025 - Secretary—Appointment—Salary.

43.216.030 - Secretary's authority.

43.216.035 - Office of innovation, alignment, and accountability—Duties and focus.

43.216.040 - Family services and programs—Administration.

43.216.045 - Advisory committees or councils—Travel expenses.

43.216.050 - Evaluation and research materials and data on private nonprofit group homes—Availability.

43.216.055 - Federal and state cooperation—Rules—Construction.

43.216.060 - Policies to support children of incarcerated parents.

43.216.065 - Private-public partnership—Secretary's duties.

43.216.070 - Reports to the governor and legislature.

43.216.075 - Early learning advisory council—Policy development and implementation—Early achievers review subcommittee.

43.216.080 - Integration with other entities.

43.216.085 - Early achievers program—Quality rating and improvement system.

43.216.087 - Early achievers program—Participation of culturally diverse and low-income center, family home, and outdoor nature-based child care providers.

43.216.089 - Early achievers program—Final report—Mitigation plan for areas not achieving required rating levels—Data availability—Reports.

43.216.090 - Early achievers program—Mental health consultants.

43.216.091 - Early achievers program—Administrative policies—Rating and rerating.

43.216.092 - Early achievers program—Administrative policies—Various.

43.216.100 - Community information and involvement plan—Informing home-based, tribal, and family early learning providers of early achievers program.

43.216.105 - Native language development and retention—Dual language learning—Rules.

43.216.110 - Core competencies for early care and education professionals and child and youth development professionals—Adoption and implementation—Updating.

43.216.115 - Partnership responsibilities—Department's duties—Partnership's duties.

43.216.120 - Reduction of barriers for using local or private funds for early learning opportunities.

43.216.125 - Parental notification of report alleging sexual misconduct or abuse—Notice of parental rights.

43.216.130 - Home visiting services account—Purpose—Administration—Funding.

43.216.135 - Child care providers—Subsidy requirements—Tiered reimbursements—Copayments.

43.216.136 - Working connections child care program—Eligibility.

43.216.1368 - Working connections child care program—Eligibility—Copayments.

43.216.137 - Working connections child care program—Unemployment compensation.

43.216.139 - Working connections child care program—Notification of change in providers.

43.216.141 - Working connections child care program—Standards and guidelines—Duties of the department.

43.216.143 - Working connections child care program—Contracted child care slots and vouchers.

43.216.145 - Working connections child care—Eligibility of high school students.

43.216.152 - Definitions.

43.216.155 - Home visitation programs—Findings—Intent.

43.216.157 - Home visitation programs—Definitions.

43.216.159 - Home visitation programs—Funding—Home visitation services coordination or consolidation plan.

43.216.165 - Early start account.

43.216.170 - Applicants for positions with the department—Investigation and background checks.

43.216.180 - Education of students in the custody of juvenile rehabilitation facilities—Duties—Creation of a comprehensive plan.

43.216.190 - Assistance with submission of Washington state identicard application materials.

43.216.195 - Child care centers—Negotiated rule making.

43.216.200 - Imagination library of Washington program.

43.216.205 - Youth and young adults exiting publicly funded system of care—Rapid response team.

43.216.250 - Secretary's licensing duties.

43.216.255 - Licensing standards.

43.216.260 - Minimum requirements for licensure.

43.216.265 - Fire protection—Powers and duties of chief of the Washington state patrol.

43.216.270 - Character, suitability, and competence to provide child care and early learning services—Fingerprint criminal history record checks—Background check clearance card or certificate—Shared background checks.

43.216.271 - Background check clearance registry—Background application form.

43.216.272 - Fee for developing and administering individual-based/portable background check clearance registry.

43.216.273 - Individual-based/portable background check clearance account.

43.216.280 - Licensed day care centers and outdoor nature-based child care providers—Notice of pesticide use.

43.216.285 - Articles of incorporation.

43.216.290 - Access to agencies—Records inspection.

43.216.295 - License required.

43.216.300 - License fees.

43.216.305 - License application—Nonexpiring licenses—Issuance, renewal, transfer, duration.

43.216.310 - License renewal.

43.216.315 - Initial licenses.

43.216.320 - Probationary licenses.

43.216.325 - Licenses—Denial, suspension, revocation, modification, nonrenewal—Proceedings—Penalties.

43.216.327 - Licenses—Denial, revocation, suspension, or modification—Notice—Effective date of action—Adjudicative proceeding.

43.216.335 - Civil fines—Notice—Adjudicative proceeding.

43.216.340 - Licensure pending compliance with state building code, chapter 19.27 RCW—Consultation with local officials.

43.216.345 - Adjudicative proceedings—Training for administrative law judges.

43.216.350 - License or certificate suspension—Noncompliance with support order—Reissuance.

43.216.355 - Actions against agencies.

43.216.360 - Unlicensed providers—Notification to agency—Penalty—Posting on website.

43.216.365 - Operating without a license—Penalty.

43.216.370 - Negotiated rule making.

43.216.375 - Negotiated rule making—Statewide unit of family child care licensees—Antitrust immunity, intent.

43.216.380 - Minimum licensing requirements—Window blind pull cords.

43.216.385 - Reporting—Actions against agency licensees—Agencies notified of licensing requirement—Posting on website.

43.216.390 - Reporting resignation or termination of individual working in child care agency.

43.216.395 - Child care inspection reports—Internal review process—Definitions—Final review.

43.216.500 - Intent.

43.216.505 - Definitions.

43.216.5052 - Definition of "Indian"—Rule making.

43.216.510 - Admission and funding.

43.216.512 - Expanded enrollment—Risk factors—Participation in other programs.

43.216.513 - Early entry—Participation in other programs.

43.216.514 - Enrollment priority.

43.216.515 - Eligible providers—State-funded support—Requirements—Data collection—Pathways to early childhood education and assistance program.

43.216.520 - Advisory committee.

43.216.525 - Rules.

43.216.530 - Review of applications.

43.216.535 - Reports.

43.216.540 - State support—Priorities—Program funding levels.

43.216.545 - Reimbursement of advisory committee expenses.

43.216.550 - Authority to solicit gifts, grants, and support.

43.216.555 - Early learning program—Voluntary preschool opportunities—Program standards—Prioritizing programs—Rules.

43.216.556 - Early learning program—Funding and statewide implementation.

43.216.559 - Early learning program—Short title—2010 c 231.

43.216.565 - Findings—Intent—Early start program.

43.216.567 - Early therapeutic and preventative services and programs.

43.216.570 - Early intervention services—Findings.

43.216.572 - Early intervention services—Infants and toddlers with disabilities—Interagency coordinating council—Conditions and limitations.

43.216.574 - Early intervention services—Infants and toddlers with disabilities—Interagency coordinating council—Coordination with counties and communities.

43.216.576 - Early intervention services—Interagency agreements.

43.216.577 - Prenatal to three family engagement strategy.

43.216.578 - Birth to three early childhood education and assistance program—Pilot project—Reports.

43.216.579 - Infant child care incentives.

43.216.580 - Early intervention services—Funding.

43.216.585 - Program rates.

43.216.587 - Complex needs funds.

43.216.590 - Trauma-informed care supports.

43.216.592 - Dual language designation—Rate enhancement.

43.216.595 - Early childhood equity grants.

43.216.597 - Play and learn groups—Resources and supports.

43.216.600 - Professional development supports.

43.216.602 - Child care deserts grant program.

43.216.650 - Child fatality reviews.

43.216.655 - Data collection and program evaluation—Reports.

43.216.660 - Child care services—Declaration of policy.

43.216.665 - Child care workers—Findings—Intent.

43.216.670 - Child care provider rules review.

43.216.675 - Child care workers—Career and wage ladder.

43.216.680 - Child care workers—Career and wage ladder—Wage increases.

43.216.685 - Child care—Toll-free information number.

43.216.687 - Child care—Required postings—Disclosure of complaints.

43.216.689 - Child care—Public access to reports and enforcement action notices.

43.216.690 - Child day care centers and outdoor nature-based child care providers—Immunization.

43.216.692 - Family home providers—Capacity flexibility.

43.216.695 - County regulation of family day-care centers—Twelve-month pilot projects.

43.216.700 - Day care insurance.

43.216.705 - Child care providers—Tiered-reimbursement system—Pilot sites.

43.216.710 - Child care services.

43.216.715 - Child care partnership employer liaison.

43.216.720 - Child care expansion grant fund.

43.216.725 - Subsidized child care report and assessment.

43.216.730 - Child care subsidy fraud—Referral—Collection of overpayments.

43.216.735 - Placement of children ages sixty months through six years.

43.216.742 - Outdoor nature-based child care program.

43.216.745 - Child care consultation program—Creation, operation, and duties.

43.216.749 - Child care subsidy rates—Use of cost model.

43.216.750 - Child welfare workers—Department duties—Technical work group to develop workload model—Annual report to legislature.

43.216.755 - Child care providers—Community-based training pathway.

43.216.760 - Child care and early learning providers—Firearms, dangerous weapons.

43.216.762 - Child care and early learning providers—Firearms, dangerous weapons—Rules.

43.216.770 - Fair start for kids account.

43.216.772 - Fair start for kids account—Spending goals and strategies.

43.216.775 - Inflationary adjustments to rates.

43.216.900 - Early childhood education and assistance program—Short title—1985 c 418.

43.216.901 - Contingency—Effective date—1985 c 418.

43.216.902 - Effective date—2006 c 265.

43.216.903 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

43.216.904 - Short title—2015 3rd sp.s. c 7.

43.216.905 - Transfer of powers, duties, and functions of the department of early learning.

43.216.906 - Transfer of child welfare provisions from the department of social and health services.

43.216.907 - Transfer of juvenile justice services provisions from the department of social and health services.

43.216.908 - Conflict with federal requirements—2017 3rd sp.s. c 6.

43.216.909 - Transfer of working connections child care and seasonal child care programs from the department of social and health services.

43.216.910 - Savings clause—2021 c 199.