WA SB5062

Creates the Washington State Child Care Workforce Standards Board, a 10-member body appointed by the governor with representatives from workers, employers, training programs, parents, and state agencies, requiring six affirmative votes to take action

Empowers the board to establish minimum employment standards for child care workers including compensation and working conditions, with initial wage standards required by August 1, 2026, and standards taking effect January 1, 2027

Requires child care employers to provide workers with one hour of board-certified training every two years covering workplace rights, compensation standards, and antiretaliation protections, with workers compensated at their regular hourly rate

Prohibits retaliation against workers exercising rights under the act, with a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 90 days of protected activity; workers may pursue civil action for reinstatement and damages

Standards increasing costs for state-subsidized child care services (RCW 41.56.028) do not take effect until the legislature appropriates sufficient funding to cover the increase