WSR 17-20-108 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY DEPARTMENT OF EARLY LEARNING [Filed October 4, 2017, 9:52 a.m.] Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establishing requirement that providers who accept child care subsidy program (CCSP) subsidies use a digital attendance system to track attendance of the children who receive care. Establishing consequences for provider failure to use a digital attendance system to track attendance. Nonsubstantive edits may be made to chapter 170-290 WAC that are intended to improve clarity and readability. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Use of the digital attendance system will streamline provider attendance tracking and attendance record retention, simplify and improve how the department of early learning (DEL) tracks children's participation in subsidized child care, and prevent improper provider payments. Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The state department of social and health services jointly administers the working connections and seasonal child care subsidy programs. DEL must follow United States Administration for Children and Families, CCDF regulations consistent with the state's CCDF plan. DEL plans to coordinate rule development with these state and federal agencies. Process for Developing New Rule: To the extent practicable, DEL intends to seek stakeholder and public input during the rule drafting and development process. At a later date, DEL will file proposed rules, hold a public hearing(s), and accept written comments before adopting permanent rules. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 49070 [40970], Olympia, WA 98504-0970, phone 360-725-4670, fax 360-725-4925, email rules@del.wa.gov, web site www.del.wa.gov. October 4, 2017 Heather Moss Director |