WA SB5500

Requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to use a "cost of quality child care rate model" to recommend subsidy rates for licensed child care providers, replacing the previous market-based approach

Mandates that child care subsidy base rates remain at minimum the 85th percentile of market rates based on the most recent market rate survey

Requires the rate model to include fixed costs for: staff salaries based on living wages, benefits (paid leave, retirement, health/life insurance), family engagement, planning time, educational materials, and professional development

Directs the department to review and recommend rate enhancements for special populations (infants, nonstandard hours, special needs) every three years

Exempts collective bargaining agreements for family child care providers from these provisions until July 1, 2027