WashingtonSB 57522025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Modifying child care and early childhood development programs.

Sponsored By: Claire Wilson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 4 costs, 4 mixed.

Students keep exemption; apprentices lose it

The state cannot require qualifying full-time students to work as a condition of Working Connections Child Care benefits. Students must attend vocational education leading to an occupational degree or certificate, or an associate degree program. Full-time status follows the college’s definition, and the exemption depends on funding set aside for this purpose. State-registered apprenticeship participation no longer qualifies for this work exemption.

Current families get temporary transition protections

The law applies child care eligibility changes only to new applications and reapplications. Families authorized before July 1, 2025, keep their prior eligibility treatment until they reapply. Families authorized as of October 1, 2026, keep prior copayment treatment until a new application or reapplication. These transition protections expire December 31, 2027.

Early learning participation helps families qualify

The state must count participation in birth-to-three Early Childhood Education and Assistance or Early Head Start as an approved activity. This helps participating families meet the activity requirement for Working Connections Child Care. Participation meets that requirement, not every requirement for the subsidy.

Families get longer child care continuity

The Working Connections Child Care grace period for qualifying homeless households grows from four months to 12 months. Homelessness follows the federal McKinney-Vento definition as it existed on January 1, 2020. Newly eligible households no longer must reapply solely because care has not started within 12 months of the eligibility decision.

More early learning options for babies

The law establishes an ongoing early learning program and a pilot for children under 36 months. The ongoing program serves families at or below 50% of state median income; the pilot uses 130% of federal poverty. Both also accept children whose assistance unit qualifies for or receives SNAP or state food assistance. Enrollment requires funding and open space; ongoing providers must meet licensing standards and participate in Early Achievers. The state must plan the pilot’s phased rollout when money is set aside, using federal, state, or private funding.

Families wait longer for child care help

The law delays two Working Connections Child Care income expansions. For income above 60% through 75% of state median income, the start moves from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029. For income above 75% through 85%, it moves from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2031. These limits account for family size, and access depends on funding and other program requirements. Children must be under 13, or under 19 with a verified special need or court supervision.

Families wait longer for guaranteed preschool

Washington moves its statewide early learning target from the 2026–27 school year to 2030–31. Eligible children gain the right to enroll when full statewide implementation is achieved. Enrollment remains voluntary, but the law delays the target for making that right available statewide.

SNAP families lose automatic preschool eligibility

Children no longer qualify for Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program solely through SNAP or state food assistance status. This removes a route for households eligible for or receiving those food benefits. Children can still qualify through listed income, homelessness, prior participation, disability, or Indian-child eligibility routes.

Workers lose special child care pathways

The law repeals special Working Connections Child Care eligibility pathways for child care employees and registered apprentices. It also removes the income-limit exceptions under RCW 43.216.810 and RCW 43.216.812. The copayment exception under RCW 43.216.812 ends, so covered households face the applicable payment schedule. Workers can still qualify through other program routes, but the repealed pathways no longer provide access.

New child care copay rules for families

Beginning October 1, 2026, Working Connections Child Care sets a $0 monthly copay below 25% of state median income. Higher income bands use maximum-copay formulas with rates of 5%–6.5% and state median income amounts for two-person households. Through September 30, 2026, the schedule includes a $215 maximum for income above 60% through 75% of state median. Until October 1, 2026, a funded model caps copays at 7% of countable income for the above-75% through-85% band. The state can adjust the schedule to meet federal law; a copay band does not itself establish eligibility.

Some families gain limited preschool access

Some children can enter the state preschool program with family income above 36% through 50% of state median income. Income limits account for family size; children must meet a listed risk factor and not already qualify under standard rules. Enrollment requires open space and cannot exceed 25% of statewide enrollment. Food assistance and IDEA Part C eligibility no longer count among the risk-factor priorities. This pathway is outside the enrollment guarantee and expires August 1, 2030.

Bilingual providers get grants or higher rates

With funding set aside, the state must create a dual-language designation and offer qualifying providers higher subsidy rates or site-specific grants. Birth-to-three early learning contractors are added to the eligible provider groups. Other recipients include qualifying licensed or certified providers accepting state subsidies and specified early childhood contractors. Support can pay for bilingual staff wages, training, lessons, materials, and related costs.

Providers get trauma and mental health support

With funding set aside, the state must help eligible providers offer care that accounts for trauma. Support can cover staff credentials, training, screening tools, and services for children with complex needs. The state must also provide or arrange infant and early childhood mental health consultation when funded. Funded staffing includes a coordinator and a contracted organization hiring at least 12 qualified consultants. The state must provide consultants with professional development and reflective supervision to help them review their work.

Providers get earlier payments with attendance limits

The state must pay providers accepting subsidies when subsidized child care is expected to begin. Providers cannot claim a prospective payment without at least one day of attendance during the previous month’s authorization period. These rules change provider payment timing and claims, not direct payments to families. The attendance rule creates no separate household payment obligation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Claire Wilson
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

June Robinson
Democratic • Senate
Manka Dhingra
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 239 • No: 51

Senate vote • 4/24/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 34 • No: 14

House vote • 4/23/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House on Reconsideration

Yes: 86 • No: 11 • Other: 1