unintended consequences and to stabilize and support the child care industry , the task force recommends that the licensed child care workforce — regardless of whether they serve subsidized children — make at least a living wage and benefits , supplemented by public funds beyond the subsidy system .
Recommendations on payment mechanisms for wage supplements should include :
• Examples of mechanisms used for similar purposes by other countries , states , and / or municipalities .
• Analysis of intersections between the subsidized and private-pay child care markets and recommendations for sequencing implementation of wage supplements to avoid disruption to families accessing care through either market .
• Accountability measures for ensuring responsible and effective stewardship of public funds that make sure dollars go toward increased wages and benefits for early care and school age educators , with the ultimate goal to improve access to child care for children and families .
• Examples of industries in Washington , and / or other states , that received public funds to supplement the wages of employees directly or indirectly , and relevant lessons learned .
• Strategies for streamlined reporting , public transparency and course correction to improve program performance .
• Recommendations regarding requirements for receiving wage supplements at each licensed early childhood education job position within centers and family homes , for school age child care positions , and for full-time and part-time workers .
• Data and technology infrastructure required to track payments effectively .
• Implications of wage supplements and benefits on eligibility for public benefit programs .
• Estimates of the total cost to implement publicly funded wage supplements .
4 : Create a comprehensive economic development and workforce development framework for the child care sector in partnership with providers , parents , and stakeholders .
In the 2023-25 biennial budget , the Legislature should provide funding for the Department of Commerce to work in partnership with DCYF , the Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board , and providers , parents , and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for supporting the growth and sustainability of the child care workforce and sector into the future , as an essential sector in our state ' s economy . This will include strategies for ensuring a continuing pipeline of trained child care professionals into the future . By Dec . 1 , 2023 , the Department of Commerce should submit a coordinated strategic plan to the Office of the Governor and the Legislature .
Child care providers are professionals , and they are best situated to identify challenges and develop solutions as a self-governing group . Commerce should consult and collaborate with providers to understand the approaches and strategies most supportive to sustaining the field . Commerce should also partner with entities that are already providing business supports , such as shared services models and employer-supported care .
2022 COST OF QUALITY CHILD CARE LEGISLATIVE REPORT 16