wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > SB 5500 > Engrossed Substitute

SB 5500 - Child care rate model ¶

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Section 1 ¶

1. By June 1st of every even-numbered year, the department shall publish a current cost of quality child care study, a cost of quality child care study as defined by the early educator design team, and a market rate survey and submit the information to the relevant committees of the legislature in compliance with RCW 43.01.036.

2. For the purposes of this section,the following definitions apply:

   1. "Cost of quality child care study as defined by the early educator design team" means using a cost estimation model, developed in consultation with and recommended by the early educator design team to the department, that includes, at a minimum, fixed costs on the following factors:

      1. Staff salaries based on a living wage scale as identified by the early educator design team;

      2. Benefits, including paid leave, retirement contributions by employers, and expenses related to offering discretionary benefits to staff, such as health and life insurance;

      3. Family engagement activities, staff, or both;

      4. Planning release time;

   2. Costs for educational materials and curriculum; and

   6. Professional development supports; and

   2. "Current cost of quality child care study" means using a cost estimation model that includes, at a minimum, current costs on the following factors:

      1. Staff salaries;

      2. Benefits;

      3. Family engagement activities;

      4. Planning release time;

   3. Costs for educational materials and curriculum; and

   6. Professional development supports.

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