WA SB6179

Child care subsidy base rates for licensed or certified providers in Franklin County must be set equal to rates paid in Benton and Walla Walla counties

Beginning July 1, 2026, child care subsidy base rates statewide must reach the 85th percentile of market rates based on the most recent market rate survey published before May 20, 2025

The state must bargain with the exclusive representative for family child care providers over implementation of subsidy rate increases

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families shall develop a child care cost estimate model to recommend subsidy rates sufficient to cover full costs of high quality care, considering factors like area median income and rural/suburban/urban categories