WA HB1649

Requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to implement a redesigned noncredit-bearing, community-based training pathway for child care provider licensure by August 1, 2025, modeled after the discontinued "Building Bridges" curriculum to replace the underutilized PACE program

Training must be offered in multiple languages, include culturally relevant practices, cost no more than $250 per person, and be available in both local communities where child care centers operate and online format

Extends the compliance deadline for providers to meet early childhood education certificate requirements to August 1, 2035, or 10 years after full pathway implementation, whichever is later

Creates a new work experience-based competency option allowing providers with at least 3 years of experience in licensed child care settings (not required to be continuous) to meet professional education requirements

Prohibits the department from requiring annual in-service training for providers demonstrating competency through the work experience pathway