Washington House Bill 2124, which modifies child care subsidy work requirements, went into effect November 1, 2024. The bill requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to recognize participation in the Birth to Three Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) or the Early Head Start program as approved activities to meet work requirements. The inclusion of these programs, which both require parent involvement, increases eligibility for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) benefits.
This bill was passed in the Washington Senate on February 28, with 39 votes in favor and 8 against. The bill then passed in the Washington House of Representatives on March 5, with 86 votes in favor and seven against. The bill was signed by Governor Jay Inslee on March 26. This is the only bill that Ballotpedia tracked related to childcare subsidy work requirements during 2024.
Supporters of the bill are quoted in the staff summary of public testimony, found in the bill report, as having stated, “Parent programs through ECEAP are essential and should count as a work activity. Through these programs, families work with support workers to overcome barriers to employment, connect with mental health treatment, and engage with other services. The goals of these programs are to have children ready for kindergarten and to achieve emotional and financial stability for the family. Currently, many parents struggle to work consistently, and may be under the minimum hours requirement to qualify for the WCCC. By allowing the intensive family support work to count as a work activity for the WCCC, the bill will allow children to remain in child care and have continuity while they move toward kindergarten.” There are no official statements made in the report opposed to the bill.
WCCC is Washington’s child care subsidy program, funded by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a federal program administered by the states that provides funds to assist low-income families in obtaining child care. Federal law requires that parents receiving CCDF child care subsidies work or complete work-related activities. States are responsible for defining the activities that qualify a family for assistance through CCDF, including work requirements, education participation, and community service. State agencies have flexibility in determining eligibility for CCDF subsidies, according to HHS regulations.
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