Washington state has taken a major step to address its childcare crisis with the signing of House Bill 1648 into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. The legislation, championed by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, aims to reduce burdensome regulations that have driven qualified workers out of the childcare sector.
The Early Start Act of 2015, which Dent supported at the time, was intended to improve early learning standards. However, Dent now acknowledges that the law’s stringent requirements have created a regulatory nightmare, discouraging skilled workers from entering or remaining in the field. The result has been a worsening workforce shortage that threatens the stability of childcare across the state.
“Without our childcare centers, we don’t have an early learning program. It’s that simple,” Dent said. The new law recognizes five years of cumulative work experience in licensed childcare as meeting qualification standards, pushing back staff certification deadlines to at least August 1, 2030. It also directs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to form a stakeholder group to review staff qualification requirements and report findings by December 2026.
Washington’s childcare system faces a steep financial burden, with the average annual cost of infant care exceeding $20,000. Dent emphasized the bill’s practical, industry-driven approach, noting that it may not include every reform he wanted, but it is a significant step toward restoring balance in the sector.
House Bill 1648 takes effect July 27, 2025. Lawmakers hope the measure will ease staffing shortages, reduce barriers for experienced childcare workers, and stabilize an industry that families across the state depend on.
