“A small change like removing licensing fees could make a big difference,” Christiansen said. “It would show the Legislature supports us and allows us to focus on what matters — caring for children.”
A July 2024 study from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) estimates that 323,000 children in Washington ages 5 and under need care because both parents work, but only 29% are served by licensed child care. For school-age children, the study estimates that 456,000 need care, but only 12% are using a licensed provider.
Senate Bill 5130, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, aims to eliminate licensing fees for child care providers, a
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