Impact on Washington Families: Over 1,300 families will be forced to seek alternative child care—options that simply do not exist in many communities, deepening Washington’s child care crisis.

Threat to ECEAP Enrollment: The waiver’s removal will disrupt ECEAP placements, denying children a critical year of early learning and setting them back educationally.

Economic Stability & Workforce Support: Working families depend on stable child care. A rushed transition will destabilize businesses, force provider closures, and reduce care availability—hurting both families and Washington’s workforce.

Regulatory Alignment & Legislative Intent: SB 5237 was passed to expand child care access. The proposed amendment aligns with this goal, ensuring regulatory clarity, consistency, and safety without unnecessary disruptions.