The cost of quality care estimation model is customized for Washington and is based on financial data collected through provider interviews , focus groups and surveys . This study was conducted with advisory support from an ad hoc provider workgroup . During a series of meetings , the work group shared its hopes and fears related to implementation of future policy changes , including changes related to the cost of quality care estimation model . The perspectives of providers informed the following guidance for readers , with the goal of clarifying intentions , maximizing impacts and preventing unintended harm :
This report is intended to : This report is not intended to :
• Recognize providers for the work they are already doing by subsidizing existing costs
• Identify the true cost of high-quality child care
• Communicate the urgent need for increased wages and benefits for members of the child care workforce
• Honor teacher training , education , work experience , and / or credentials through increased compensation and supports
• Ensure subsidy rates cover the full cost of child care by 2025 , including living wages , benefits , and program enhancements to help meet
Early Achievers quality standards
• Create unfunded mandates for licensed providers
• Require additional training , education , work experience and / or credentials
• Create new or additional licensing or quality standards for providers
• Inform the subsidy rate to cover the full cost of child care for 2022-24
The ad hoc provider workgroup shared concerns about the potential for early educators to be left out of opportunities for increased compensation or professional growth . Pushes for traditional measures of quality in the early care and education field have sometimes led to increased requirements for providers without sufficient supports . Early educators can face barriers to continued education and training , such as limited language options for coursework , a lack of course offerings during non-traditional hours , lack of substitute coverage , and low compensation that does not make the cost of tuition a viable investment . 20 Unfunded mandates could result in negative equity implications in the early child care workforce .
2022 COST OF QUALITY CHILD CARE LEGISLATIVE REPORT 13