How child care fared in this year's Washington state legislative session

Washington lawmakers this year funneled more money and support toward the state’s struggling child care system, looking to give providers a boost and expand access to day care and pre-K programs for families.

Some of that money will go to expand mental health consultations for infants and toddlers, increase rates for providers caring for infants and add grants for early learning center construction and renovation.

The investments were stronger than advocates had expected going into a 60-day session where lawmakers were adjusting the state budget, not writing a spending plan from scratch, said Genevieve Stokes, director of government relations at Child Care Aware of Washington.

“We were excited the Legislature did what they could and really did demonstrate their commitment to continuing a foundation toward universal care,” Stokes said.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/03/14/how-wa-child-care-providers-fared-this-legislative-session/