Story by John Sattgast, Washington State House Republican Communications
A bill to cut red tape and speed up the opening of preschool classrooms in public schools has passed the House unanimously.
Lawmakers have unanimously approved a bill from 39th District Representative Carolyn Eslick aimed at getting more early-learning classrooms open faster by eliminating duplicative licensing requirements in public schools.
Currently, preschool programs operating inside schools must still go through a second child-care licensing process, delaying classrooms and driving up costs.
“When there are ECAP and Head Start already in schools and being ran by the schools, there’s no reason to have double licensing. I suggest that we pass this and help to not only save money but to make it easier to become an ECAP or Head Start in other locations.”
Supporters say reducing unnecessary regulation would help expand early learning opportunities across the state.
House Bill 2317 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.