Important state budget news for licensed child care providers From Dr. Bette Hyde, Director, Washington State Department of Early Learning Dear licensed child care providers, State agencies, including the Department of Early Learning (DEL), have been asked by Gov. Jay Inslee to submit plans in the event the Legislature does not pass the 2013-15 operating budget by July 1. If the Legislature does not pass an operating budget by July 1, state government will shut down. We are hopeful this will not happen, but all state agencies must have a plan in place in case it does happen. I want to share with you what that means and how it will affect you and the families you serve. • All DEL employees will be temporarily laid off, including MERIT support, DEL licensing staff and all other DEL staff. In addition, Early Achievers technical assistance specialists will not be available. • The Governor’s office has approved DEL to have two licensors on call who will be available to respond to licensing emergencies. • Child care subsidies starting July 1: Child care subsidy payments for care provided in July will cease. This includes Working Connections and seasonal child care subsidies. If child care providers opt to continue caring for children who receive subsidies, the state most likely cannot legally retroactively pay for that care. This is a sad, harsh truth that will harm child care providers and families. The state constitution does not allow the state to spend money in the absence of a state budget, with a very few exceptions, and this is one of the many programs that will cease to function. • Child care subsidies prior to July: Payments will be made to providers who bill for care that was provided prior to July 1. Those payments may be delayed. There are many other ways a government shutdown will affect Washington families. If you would like more information about how a shutdown would affect other DEL programs and operations, please check the DEL Connect blog. I encourage you to share this information with the families you serve. DEL will continue to share updated information with child care providers. Please know that Gov. Inslee is doing everything he can to work with legislators to reach an agreement by June 30. I remain hopeful the Legislature will pass a budget in time so that we can continue to serve child care providers and Washington families. While I regret having to share this difficult news with you, I do so out of respect for you and the important work you do. Your work is essential to the safety and well-being of Washington children, first and foremost, and to Washington’s economy. Respectfully, Bette Hyde As always, please talk with your DEL licensor if you have questions or need more information. Find your licensor’s contact information. Washington State Department of Early Learning del.wa.gov
Posted on: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 22:39:44 +0000