Child care center providers will be required to claim payment based on a new attendance-based rule, as part of the implementation of Substitute House Bill 2689.
Starting Oct. 1, child care center providers will be paid based on the number of days a child attends, allowable holidays, and professional development days. This will limit the number of absent days a provider may claim. Licensed Family Home providers will transition to this attendance-based rule starting July 2027.
Substitute House Bill 2689, passed during the 2026 legislative session, makes changes to the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy program. Several changes take effect immediately, while others will be phased in through July 1, 2027.
WCCC Legislative Updates Webinar Slides: English | Spanish | Somali
For more information, visit www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/subsidy/legislative-updates.
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Report highlighted DCYF’s mandatory reporter poster, screening, and training.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was one of the agencies identified as “going over and above the legal requirements” to raise awareness of human trafficking, according to a recently published State Auditor’s Office (SAO) Audit.
The SAO Performance Audit, which assesses Washington’s human trafficking awareness efforts, found DCYF completed required screening for children, updated their mandatory reporting poster to include human trafficking, and offered training on human trafficking beyond what is required.
“The statewide awareness efforts across multiple agencies directly support DCYF’s work with missing and exploited youth aimed at preventing them and others from further harm,” said DCYF Secretary Tana Senn. “We appreciate the State Auditor for putting a spotlight on this critical work.”
State law directs DCYF to publish a poster on its website that includes specific information about reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, including who is required to report, definitions of reportable crimes, and how to submit a report.
DCYF met this requirement, updating its mandatory reporter poster to reflect recent changes made to the law, which expanded the definition of abuse and neglect to include trafficking. Mandatory reporters, such as teachers and medical professionals, are required by law to report child abuse and neglect.
Read more: DCYF Recognized for Human Trafficking Awareness Efforts in Latest Audit
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is hosting a webinar from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, to provide updates on our Agency Request Legislation (ARL) and Decision Package (DP) submissions for the 2027 Legislative Session.
You will learn about what’s in the proposals and have an opportunity to ask questions. If you are not able to attend the live webinar, slides from the presentation will be available on the DCYF Government Affairs webpage a few days afterward.
DCYF 2027 ARL/DP Legislative Session Webinar
Thursday, Oct. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Join Here
Meeting ID: 890 5401 2583
Passcode: 089611
Join by phone: 1-253-215-8782
Please feel free to contact Government Affairs with any questions at dcyf.govaffairs@dcyf.wa.gov.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program offers free preschool and family support for low-income 3- and 4-year-olds
Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) released a list of 42 new sites across the state adding new slots for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) in the 2026-27 school year. The new sites and expansion at existing ECEAP providers will add approximately 2,400 new ECEAP slots, funded by an innovative public-private partnership between the State of Washington and the Ballmer Group.
In November 2025, Gov. Ferguson, DCYF Secretary Tana Senn, and representatives from Ballmer Group Philanthropy announced a new grant to dramatically expand ECEAP in Washington. The Ballmer Group’s grant is expected to fund up to 10,000 additional seats for ECEAP’s school-day model over the next 10 years, totaling approximately $1 billion in support for early learning.
The approximately 2,400 new slots and 42 new sites are a slight decrease from what was previously announced; however, this number has successfully exceeded the state’s original goal of expanding to 2,000 new students in the first year. Some sites that previously accepted funding have since returned funds due to workforce shortages and unforeseen challenges with opening a new classroom. DCYF continues to work with applicants to address barriers to service.
Read the Press Release: Governor Ferguson, DCYF announce 42 new early education sites, serving 2,400 additional children this school year | Governor Bob Ferguson
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Powerful conversations at the American Indian Health Commission's 2026 Tribal and State Health Leaders Summit, at the Squaxin Island Tribe's Little Creek Casino, talking about ways to improve our response to the opioid epidemic. Looking forward to the actions, too!
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Gratitude to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for their amazing Cinematique event that brought together hundreds of foster youth and their families for a "back to school" resources fair. There was free food, haircuts, backpacks, health screenings, passes to the zoo and museums, new shoes, Sounders tickets, nonprofit connections, and so much more. |
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Every day, DCYF’s child care licensors are supporting providers and keeping children safe. Watch a Day in the Life of a Child Care Licensor: Day in the Life of a Child Care Licensor
Here are some links to some of our newest publications, helpful toolkits, and frequently requested information:
The Indigenous Children, Youth & Families Conference takes place Nov 4 and 5. The theme is The Path Forward: Connection, Healing, and Resilience. Register today!
 If you would like any of this content in an alternative language, please email communications@dcyf.wa.gov.
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