issue area reports | education and workforce
Sen . Claire Wilson , D-Auburn , is the Assistant Majority Whip and vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee .
SHB 2556 providing regulatory relief for early learning providers
Passed / AWB Supported
Sponsored by Rep . Tom Dent , R-Moses Lake , this bill addresses regulations impacting the child care industry . Regulations impacting the industry have been a focus of evaluation in the discussions about how to address Washington state ’ s child care crisis . The passed legislation implements a “ fundamentals of instruction ” program for early learning providers which would provide training for early learning providers to meet professional education requirements for the early learning providers . The bill also delays until Aug . 1 , 2026 the requirement , implemented by the Department for Children , Youth and Families , that all licensed child care providers hold an Early Childhood
Education initial or short certificate or complete community-based trainings . AWB supports the idea that regulations governing the child care industry must be evaluated while maintaining quality in child care and rigor in licensing procedures . While a full evaluation of the industries ’ regulations will not be conducted , the community-based training and expanded time frame for compliance are critical to addressing the state ’ s child care crisis . Passed the House 97-0 and the Senate 48-0 .
2SHB 2864 establishing a running start summer school pilot program
Passed / AWB Supported
This bill sponsored by Rep . Dave Paul , D-Oak Harbor , establishes the Running Start summer school pilot program . OSPI , in consultation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
( SBCTC ) and other key stakeholders , will select up to three community colleges to participate in the pilot program during the 2021 and 2022 summer academic quarter . Per the legislation , one community college must be located in eastern Washington and another must be located in a county with a population between 115,000 and 150,000 . Under the pilot program , eligible students may enroll in a participating community college tuition-free for a maximum of five college credits per summer academic quarter . Provisions relating to student fees and fee waivers apply to eligible students participating in the pilot program . AWB has consistently supported the state ’ s dual credit opportunities , particularly the Running Start program , which provides students a low-cost option for college and provides high school students the opportunity to earn their associate degree while completing their high school education . It passed the House 78-19 and the Senate 49-0 .
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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