Department of Children, Youth & Families

Professional Development, Training and Requirements

WAC 110-300-0100 - STAFFING: What if the roles used in the WAC does not match the titles I use? Do I have to change my titles? Where are floaters, or how do I know what to do with our van driver or cook?

WAC 110-300-0100

Your job titles do not need to match WAC roles. Consider what a person does and select the role in the WAC that best fits their responsibilities. You do not need to change the title you use at your program, but you do need to have accurate staff records in MERIT. The role indicated in MERIT will determine the staff qualifications and training for that person. Here is a summary that may be useful when making a role determination for your staff:

Professional Development Role Determination Chart

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: Can I request an exemption to education requirements?

WAC 110-300-0100

When to request a waiver: If you are a larger program and have other roles (ex: hiring manager, curriculum coordinator, financial manager, etc), you may not NEED a center director. A waiver can be completed and submitted to licensing to indicate how your program is fulfilling the responsibilities of a role with multiple people. DCYF is working on additional support guide to help programs determine when requesting a waiver might be an option and the criteria DCYF will use to review the requests.

WAC 110-300-0100 - STAFFING: How do programs cover vacation or extended leave?

WAC 110-300-0100

When someone covers a vacation or leave of absence for another staff person, they must meet the same qualifications for the role they are filling in for. One exception is that in order to maintain continuity of care, an assistant teacher can fill in for a lead teacher (act as a substitute) for up to two weeks.

WAC 110-300-0100 - ROLES: I have other people who come to my child care for various services they are paid for who are not my employees - I'm still not sure what role they would be?

WAC 110-300-0100

Individuals interacting with children who are not employees fit the role of volunteer. If these individuals are not counted in ratio they do not need to complete the volunteer training. If these individuals will be alone with a child or children, the parent would need to authorize this and the child(ren) would be signed out and back in by that individual just as you currently do now. Examples: 1. a gymnastics teacher comes to offer classes for families who pay additional money for this service and a teacher is always with them: if they are in ratio, they must complete the required health and safety training requirements. if they are not in ratio, they do not need to complete the training 2. a therapist hired by the parent works 1:1 with a child at the child care: This person is not alone with the child so they fit the volunteer role and are not in ratio so do not need to complete the health and safety training. 3. a social worker picks up a child for a family visit and brings them back: this is the same as it is now, the social worker will sign the child out and back in as authorized by the family.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: How do I document annual progress towards meeting an education requirement?

WAC 110-300-0100

The professional development plan will be availble in MERIT by August 2020 for licensors to view early learning providers documentation of annual progress. A template will be available in Fall 2019 for providers who want to use it to begin making their plan now.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Does a new hire need a completed/passed PBC done before their start date? Or can they start if they have submitted their PBC and are waiting for it clear (won't be alone with children)? – Backgrounds. It states backgrounds must be complete prior to working. What does complete mean – submitted or cleared?

WAC 110-300-0100

A new hire must submit a Portable Background Check prior to starting work. While the results are pending, they must not have unsupervised access to children and are not considered “qualified staff”. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: A new federal requirement will go into effect Oct 1. 2020 that will require a new hire have a CLEARED background prior to hire.

WAC 110-300-0100 - (6) (b) What does “documented oversight” look like?

WAC 110-300-0100

Each early learning program will determine how the documented oversight will be produced. There are a variety of ways this can happen. Please work with your licensor on options available.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Do volunteers need background check?

WAC 110-300-0100

According to WAC 110-300-0105 all volunteers must complete a department background check.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Why would a lead teacher be responsible to develop this? In a home setting now called family home early learning program it would be the family home licensees/ the provider/ owner doing this. Staff now called lead teachers follow what we do what we set up.

WAC 110-300-0100

In some programs, the family home provider may be developing the curriculum. In other programs, the lead teacher may be developing the curriculum.

WAC 110-300-0100 - There used to be (years ago) a requirement as to the amount of office time a child care director must spend in the office and I can’t find it in the current WAC. I have a site Director who is in the classroom(s) full-time because they can’t find staff to hire and I don’t think that is OK but maybe it was removed from the WAC as someone felt it wasn’t important.

WAC 110-300-0100

The WAC does not require specific office time but does require that the director be on site 50% or more of the weekly operating hours. However, the director may be a substitute teacher if that does not interfere with management or supervisory responsibilities.

WAC 110-300-0100(7) - What is continuous oversight for aides?

WAC 110-300-0100(7)

Continuous oversight is auditory and visual supervision, within the same licensed space as the aide’s responsibility. The supervisor (lead teacher) can't be supervising more than one licensed space at one time.

WAC 100-300-0100(9)(10) - I have a site that has adult students doing different types of volunteer or paid work at the child care. This question pertains to WAC 110-300-0100(9)(10) Two of the groups of students are interactive for 6-10 hours a week for 10 weeks. Those students are required to do the background checks, TB, and orientation. The third group are lab students who are in the classroom for 2 hours a week for 10 weeks and observe only. They do not give care. They are never counted in the staff to child ratio. Because they are observing in the classroom only, I was not sure if they fit the category of “volunteer”, or “other personnel”, who are required to complete the WAC 105 volunteer requirements. Should this group of lab students be required to complete background check and TB test? - New 4/22/21

WAC 100-300-0100(9)(10)

As long they are observing only they may count as an occasional volunteer. However best practice would be to complete a TB test. There are so many variables with additional people in the program environment, varying proximity to children and the potential for communicable illness.

WAC 110-300-0110(3) - There is a requirement for a director or assistant director to be on site 50 % of time but I am not seeing anywhere in the WAC where it states how long the program supervisor needs to be on-site. It used to be that they had to be in their role for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The current writing does not say this. So is there an expectation of how many hours the program supervisor needs to be on site? In the FAQs it states that one person of the management team must meet the education requirements while the others are working towards the requirements. If this person happens to be the program supervisor does this person need to be onsite 40 hours or can they be on site less if the director is there 40 hours a week.

WAC 110-300-0110(3)

It is accurate that WAC 110-300-0110(3) does not cite a requirement regarding program supervisors time spent on site. The WAC mandates that a director or other staff member filling the position of director must meet the requirements and be on site 50% of the time up to 40 hours per week. This would include the program supervisor when/if acting as the director.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: What education do I (or my staff) need to have? How can I meet the education requirements? What’s an equivalent?

WAC 110-300-0100

There are multiple ways to meet your education requirements. These include: you have or are working on the named credential, or you have or are working on an equivalent. An equivalent can be an alternative credential or demonstration of competency.

Named Credential
You can read about the Washington State ECE stackable certificates (Initial, Short or State Certificate) and connect with the community of college in your area to complete a certificate by visiting the Career Planning Portal.
Equivalents
An equivalent may either be an alternative credential or a demonstration of competency:
1. Alternative Education Credentials
  The Chart of Related Credentials outlines other education, certificates, or credentials that can meet the education requirements for staff qualifications which includes related degrees and aligned college credits. This chart can be found on pages 33-34 of the Foundational Quality Standards Guidebook.
  
  Community Based Model – In addition to these existing equivalents, DCYF is partnering with the Imagine Institute, Child Care Aware of Washington and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges to develop a community-based series to meet staff education requirements for an ECE Initial Certificate or ECE Short Certificate. More information on this option will be available as it is developed, and DCYF will need to pursue funding to before this is made available.
2. Demonstration of Knowledge and Skill
  NEW - Experience Based Competency Demonstration
  Existing early learning providers can use their experience to meet staff education requirements for an ECE Initial Certificate or ECE Short Certificate. Eligible candidates must meet all criteria as outlined in a letter from DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter.
  DCYF will have a request form in MERIT soon to indicate this option.
  Remember:
  MERIT will have a way to display when a person's education requirement is met. This is under development, watch for it soon! Up to date information will be available on the Professional Development page.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATON: I don’t see my education (degree, certificate) listed as an option to meet education requirements, what options do I have?

WAC 110-300-0100

These questions need to be supported on a case-by-case basis, and will take a few steps to plan what to do next.

Make sure your education is verified in the workforce registry (MERIT). Here is a link for a video on how to submit your education application
Once verified, your education will either count as a related degree, or if it doesn’t, we will count the number of credits that relate to the Early Care and Education Core Competencies and compare that to the number you need to meet an equivalent education option for your role.
If you still don’t have enough credits to meet an equivalent, you can make a choice to work towards completing the rest with a competency demonstration, or continue with education to finish the next certificate or degree that is a good next step for you personally.

If you want help navigating your choice, visit the Career Portal or contact us to help you navigate your choices at merit@dcyf.wa.gov

What if my credential is expired?
If a credential is expired, it will not be reviewed as an alternative credential, but the knowledge and work completed can be used towards a competency demonstration.

If a credential has already been reviewed and approved as an alternative credential and then expires, it does not change the status of the education requirement having been met. However, once it expires it will be treated as a competency demonstration in meeting greater education requirements if you were to be promoted or take a new job in a higher position.

Here are some additional resources:

Foundational Quality Standards Guidebook; pages 33-34
- English
- Spanish
- Somali
Career Planning Portal

WAC 110-300-0100 - EQUIVALENT: What counts as an alternative credential? (College Credits, CDA, Montessori, and more)

WAC 110-300-0100

The Chart of Equivalents outlines other education, certificates, or credentials that can meet the education requirements for staff qualifications. This chart can be found on pages 33-34 of the Foundational Quality Standards Guidebook. As additional options are developed or identified, this list may expand.

Below are a few related credentials we get many questions about:

What about the CDA?
The CDA is a credential provided by the Council for Professional recognition and is listed in the Chart of Related Credentials, and is an equivalent to the initial certificate. DCYF allows for each of the specialty areas of CDA to be accepted to meet staff qualifications. Once approved, if the CDA expires, it does not change the staff qualification status. An expired CDA cannot be used as an equivalent credential if it was not been verified while it was valid. Remember: The CDA is accepted at community and technical colleges. DCYF suggests that while your CDA is valid, you connect with your local community college and see how you can get college credit for your CDA if you have not done so. College credits never expire. An expired CDA can’t be used if a future opportunity comes up that requires the next level of a credential.

What about Military Modules?
The Military Modules are offered on military installations as part of their requirements for licensing and meet the equivalent of the initial certificate for staff qualifications.

What about Montessori Certificates and Training Programs?
Yes, DCYF recognizes some Montessori Credentials that are MACTE accredited. Some common affiliate organizations we recognize include AMS and AMI, but there are also many more.

What about my Early Achievers Rating?
Early Achievers ratings speak to the overall quality of a program, environment, and is attached to the whole facility. The education requirements are attached to each individual person.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EQUIVALENT: What are Aligned Credits and how do I know if my college courses are aligned? What courses will count towards my education requirement?

WAC 110-300-0100

For EXISTING ROLES who have been verified in the electronic workforce registry (MERIT) by July 30, 2019, we will mark you as meeting the level in which you have enough credits.

EXISTING ROLES Example

a. If you have 45 credits of ECE and have been verified in the electronic workforce registry (MERIT) by July 30, 2019, we will mark you as meeting the equivalent of the ECE State Certificate.
b. If you have 25 credits of ECE and have been verified in the electronic workforce registry (MERIT) by July 30, 2019, we will mark you as meeting the equivalent of a Short Certificate. Someone in this role would create a plan for meeting the remaining 20 credits or competency demonstration over the next 5 years.

“Aligned Credits” means the college coursework completed is grounded in Washington’s Early Care and Education Core Competencies and that the coursework is reflective of the same knowledge that would have been earned in the named credential.

NEW HIRES Example

a. If I have 50 credits in early childhood education, and the credits are all in one topic area (or one competency area), this is not reflective of the ECE State Certificate content, therefore, not aligned, and will only help me meet a portion of my requirement.
b. I have 50 credits that are in many topic areas (core competency areas) and the content is reflective of the all the content in the ECE state certificate, those credits are “aligned” with the named credential, and these credits do help me meet my qualification.

See Chart of Related Credentials

DCYF will accept the education already recorded in MERIT based on number of credits. Existing providers with the required number of ECE or ECE/SA credits will meet the education requirement.

WAC 110-300-0100 - MERIT: How does MERIT track my education, is it in quarter or semester credits?

WAC 110-300-0100

Both.

When evaluating education applications, MERIT records are displayed based on quarter credits. If an early learning provider submits a transcript that has semester credits, they will be applied using a standard conversion rate for quarter and semester credits.

1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: How do I get started in meeting my education requirements?

WAC 110-300-0100

Know where you are now, identify your goals, create a plan.

FIRST: Make sure you understand your own or your staff’s completed education before considering if you need to do additional education. What has already been completed might count as an allowable option to meet the requirements.
Remember: If someone does not have their education yet, and is within their timeline, they must have annual documentation of how they are working to meet their staff qualification requirements each year.

Steps to take:

Make sure your education is verified in the workforce registry (MERIT).
Once verified, your education will either count as a related degree, or if it doesn’t, we will count the number of credits that relate to the Early Care and Education Core Competencies and compare that to the number you need to meet an equivalent education option for your role.
If you still don’t have enough credits to meet an equivalent, you can make a choice to work towards completing the rest with a competency demonstration, or continue with education to finish the next certificate or degree that is a good next step for you personally.
If you don’t know the best steps for you to meet your education requirement, ask! Email merit@dcyf.wa.gov

If you know you need more education, begin looking at:

The ECE Career Portal to find colleges to meet your need and contact a college of choice
The list of courses within the ECE Stackable Certificates to see if you might have the similar knowledge and skills as the named credential for your role.
1. If you do think you have this existing knowledge, you can wait a bit. Summer 2019 DCYF will have enough information to tell you more about how to apply so that your knowledge and skill may be considered.

Stay connected with additional information about career planning and scholarships on DCYF’s website here: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-profdev/early-learning-provider/college

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: How long do I have to meet the education requirements?

WAC 110-300-0100

A Governor's Directive states that new center directors (assistant directors, and program supervisors) also have five years to complete their education requirement.

For more information on how to meet the education requirement, see question, “how do I get started in meeting my education requirements?”

If you already have your initial certificate, or once you complete your initial certificate - even if it is in less time than the allotted five years - you will have two more years to complete your short certificate.

What about Center Directors?
DCYF received a directive in April, 2019 that gives all existing center roles 5 years to meet the education requirement. Please keep this in mind as we work to update the existing resources that show a previous timeline.

Remember:

For Centers, only one role needs to have an ECE Certificate or equivalent across the leadership positions in a center (if a program has a director, assistant director, and program supervisor, only one needs an ECE Certificate or equivalent).
Lead Teachers Have 5 years to reach their next milestone. Depending on your education history, that could be an initial certificate (3 classes) or a short certificate (2 classes). Within a 7-year period, they will have earned the short certificate or equivalent.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: What if I have a break in employment, or move to another program what happens to my timeline?

WAC 110-300-0100

The timeline for meeting education requirements is cumulative. If a provider goes to work at another program, the timeline will continue as builds on the time already passed. It does not restart. If a provider leaves the field and comes back, the time away from the field is not calculated. Upon their return, it will continue from where it left off.

The way we will implement this is based on employment records in MERIT. It is important to keep your employment records up to date, especially when you leave a program.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: How do I submit my education to be recorded and verified in the Electronic Workforce Registry (MERIT)?

WAC 110-300-0100

To have your education reviewed and verified to meet your education requirement, you will need to submit an education application in MERIT - the electronic workforce registry. All education towards stackable certificates, related degrees, or courses aligned with the Core Competencies will be counted towards meeting your education requirement. There are three types of education applications in MERIT. Be sure you select the correct one by reviewing this help sheet: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/Complete_your_Education_Application_in_MERIT.pdf

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: I will be choosing to close or retire in less than 5 years what can I do about the education requirement? Or, what if my program is different than described in the WAC - what options do I have?

WAC 110-300-0100

Licensors will be looking for documented progress annually starting in August 2020. It has always been the case that providers with special circumstances may apply for exceptions to parts of our licensing rules. See the Foundational Quality Standards Guide (page 27) to learn more.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: What funding is available for education? Does it matter if someone is in Early Achievers or not?

WAC 110-300-0100

There are several funding options available for education, your best next step is to contact the Point of Contact at your local college. Colleges have a variety of funding sources to help students, and the Early Achievers Grant is only one of them. Other options may include Worker Retraining Progarm, state or federal financial aid, Washington College Grant, and more. To find your Point of Contact you can search the Career Planning Portal.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: What options do I have for college education if English is not my primary language?

WAC 110-300-0100

Visit the Career Planning Portal to find out what options are available for you in languages other than English. Programs are developed when there is an understanding of interest in the field. If you know the college you wish to attend - speak to the point of contact listed for ECE programs and let them know your need.

WAC 110-300-0100 - EDUCATION: How do I hire staff without having their education verified?

WAC 110-300-0100

All staff have at least 5 years to meet their education requirement. When hiring, you determine how to select the best person for the role. Employees can submit their education applications to have verified in the electronic workforce registry - MERIT. If they have not already met the education requirement, they can begin working towards this within the 5 year timeline.

WAC 110-300-0100 - We are reading that there are no requirements for a directors education now, as they will have five years. So, someone coming in doesn't need anything? I am sure we are missing something.

WAC 110-300-0100

For new center directors, assistant directors, and program supervisors, they will be required to have the education requirements that are currently outlined in WAC.

Based on the number of children the facility is licensed for, these individuals will be required to have:

10 ECE Credits if they are licensed for 12 or less children
25 ECE Credits if they are licensed for 13-24 children
45 ECE Credits if they are licensed for 25 or more children

WAC 110-300-0100 - What are the education requirements if you are a home provider and have no staff?

WAC 110-300-0100

Family home licensees must have an ECE initial certificate, or equivalent as approved and verified in the electronic workforce registry by the department within five years of the date this section becomes effective. Upon completion of the ECE initial certificate or equivalent, family home licensees must complete an ECE short certificate or equivalent within two years, as approved and verified in the electronic workforce registry by the department.

WAC 110-300-0100 - How can we count college credits in MERIT to show when they are not STARS classes?

WAC 110-300-0100

MERIT is intended to house all qualifications and training records for early learning providers. To have your qualifications or education verified in MERIT, you will complete the education application, entering all related college degrees or coursework. There are many resources available to help you with MERIT. The Professional Development page of the DCYF website has support and resources. If you have questions regarding your records, you can contact the DCYF Professional Development training and support team by emailing training@dcyf.wa.gov. DCYF also has a MERIT support line at 1-866-482-4325, option 5, or email merit@dcyf.wa.gov for assistance.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Could we hire someone who is finishing their 12 credits during the hiring process?

WAC 110-300-0100

Yes, and during the period that the employee is working toward achieving their educational requirements, there must be annual documentation of progress toward this requirement.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Do assistant teachers need to have an ECE initial certificate upon hiring after August 1, 2019?

WAC 110-300-0100

The assistant teacher must have an ECE initial certificate or equivalent within five years of August 1, 2019, or from assuming the position if it is after that date.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Sample for PDP to help determine accountability - how is this being tracking? What is documented progress. How do I show my annual progress toward meeting my education requirement?

WAC 110-300-0100

Documented progress is shown in various ways, depending on the pathway chosen.

WAC 110-300-0100 - What if providers do not have the required minimum hiring requirement now but were hired before August 1, 2019? I was hired before August 1, 2019 but no longer meet the hiring requirement. What do I do?

WAC 110-300-0100

Early learning providers that met their role requirement prior to August 1, 2019 needs to meet the new hiring requirement. If that is not possible, there are additional options. Please refer to the career planning portal to find the pathway for meeting these requirements.

WAC 110-300-0100 - What online certificate options are available for those in a rural area?

WAC 110-300-0100

Providers can go to ececareers.del.wa.gov to find a certificate programs that works best for them.

WAC 110-300-0100 - 1. How regularly must teachers receive college credits? Can they take a quarter(s) off or will my center be written up as non-compliant if they are not constantly working towards receiving their degree? 2. Is our progress looked at center-wide or is each individual employee looked at? What I mean is, if a couple of our employees are enrolled in college for that quarter but a few other employees are not at that time, would our Center be non-compliant? 3. Can out-of-state credit be transferred towards these ECE state certificates by completing a Continuing Education Proposal Application? What about if these out-of-state college credits are received after August 1st of this year? 4. Can any of these credits be received online or must my employees give up their evenings and their family time?

WAC 110-300-0100

To meet staff qualifications, teachers must show progression during their five year timeline. Licensors will begin looking for documented progress annually starting in August 2020. The professional development plan will be available in MERIT by August 2020 for licensors to view. Please check the DCYF Professional Development webpage for a template to support providers who want to begin making their professional development plan.

Out of state credit that you want to be part of the stackable certificate would need to transferred to the school that you are completing the stackable program. However, you can submit your education application to have your education verified and reviewed. Like current practice, credits are reviewed to see how they align with our core competencies. The Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs Guidebook shows what equivalents are currently accepted to meet staff qualification requirements. These out-of-state credits can be received after August 1, 2019.

Online courses are absolutely acceptable! Check out our Online Career Portal that offers online classes, as well as in-person classes that are offered at various times of the day.

WAC 110-300-0100 - If a family home lead teacher (primary assistant) currently does not have a high school diploma, does this individual have 5 years to get the high school diploma AND initial cert? It would make sense for the individual to pursue the initial certificate. I have confirmed with a local community college that individuals are able to obtain the initial cert through an AA without a GED; although the individual would apply for GED when they get their AA.

WAC 110-300-0100

Family home assistant and lead teachers without a high school diploma should be working towards the full education requirement of 0100 with completion by August 2024. A licensing waiver or affidavit is not required while meeting the education requirement is in progress, and providers will not be out of licensing compliance. A high school diploma is not required to enter the Stackable Certificate program. The education requirement for the role of an assistant or lead family home teachers is the Initial Certificate (12 ECE credits). To get started on your stackable certificates use the Career Planning Portal to find a college near you.

WAC 110-300-0100 - If I don't meet it now, what is the next step? I have the five years but do I need to do now?

WAC 110-300-0100

Early learning providers have 5 years to meet their licensing education requirement. As of right now, providers need to ensure that they meet at least the hiring requirement for their position. Each year, providers will need to show documented progress for the pathway that they chose to meet the licensing requirement. Each pathway has a different method of showing annual progress. Refer to the Foundational Standards for Early Learning Programs Guidebook and go to the Understanding Equivalents Chart for the various pathways available.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Do the teachers that have been with the program more than 5 years or more need the same requirements? I know this was a concern for most centers because we do not want to lose our highly experienced teachers who have been with us for YEARS.

WAC 110-300-0100

All early learning providers must meet their full education requirements for their role within the allotted time. There are multiple ways to meet your full education requirement, and one option for staff with 7+ years of experience is to use your experience to meet your full education requirement through the Experience-Based Competency Demonstration. This option is available for existing providers who must have the ECE Initial Certificate or ECE Short Certificate. Criteria includes having seven (7) years of experience by 2024, completed all training requirements for those years and good licensing standing. If this pathway is for you, an option will be available in MERIT to indicate this as your pathway for meeting your full education requirement.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Would 20 years of STARS classes count toward competency demonstration? I'm trying to find out if any of our previous "stars" training's will count towards our ece degree?

WAC 110-300-0100

You may be able to use your prior training as part of the eligibility requirements for the Experience-Based Competency Demonstration if you have been (or will be by 2024) an early learning provider in MERIT for at least 7 years.

DCYF understands that qualifications, education and training related to child care and early learning can be gained in a variety of ways.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Do our staff that has already completed the 30 hour or 20 hour initial training still have to complete the 12 initial certificate?

WAC 110-300-0100

Having the 20 hour or 30 hour Child Care Basics does not meet the WAC ECE Initial Certificate education requirement.

WAC 110-300-0100 - If a center would like to promote an existing lead teacher to the position of director, is it true that the lead teacher must already meet the director education qualifications, or can he/she be working toward them at the time of promotion? Isn’t there a governor’s directive that states directors also have 5 years? Where can I find that?

WAC 110-300-0100

Upon hire, a director, assistant director, or program supervisor has an education requirement that matches the previous WAC (based on license capacity)and they have 5 years to meet their role education requirement of a state certificate or equivalent. Only one person in a leadership role needs to meet this requirement.

WAC 110-300-0100 - I would like to inquire about the new WAC education requirements for childcare providers. I am currently a family home child care owner. I have submitted my credentials to be verified sometime in 2015. Based on my MERIT education record, they were approved and I got some credits for ECE and ECE/School-age. My question is, how would I know if I am already aligned with the new WAC requirements or I still need to meet the requirements and take some certificates.

WAC 110-300-0100

DCYF will accept the education already recorded in MERIT based on number of credits. Existing providers with the required number of ECE or ECE/SA credits will meet the education requirement.

WAC 110-300-0100 - Can a degree related to child care be accepted in place of a high school diploma, or do family home early learning program licensees still need to provide proof of a high school diploma in addition to a college degree?

WAC 110-300-0100

Yes, the department will accept a college degree in place of a high school diploma. If the degree is in ECE, it would also be accepted as meeting the ECE initial certificate requirements.

WAC 110-300-0100(c)(i) - Does this mean a Director must appoint a designee that meets the management qualifications of this WAC every time they are not onsite or just when they can’t be there 50% of the time like on vacation or out sick etc. ?

WAC 110-300-0100(c)(i)

Yes. Anytime a director is away from the facility, they must leave someone in charge as their designee, however the designee only has to meet qualifications of a director, assistant director or program supervisor if the director is not on-site 50% or more of the time.

WAC 110-300-0105 - What is the Electronic Workforce Registry - Is that MERIT? What do I need to have recorded in it?

WAC 110-300-0105

Yes, MERIT is the Electronic Workforce Registry named in WAC 110-300. Information related to the individual is located in MERIT – this includes information such as training completion, education, employment verification, background checks, and TB Test results.

WAC 110-300-0105 - Licensing Orientation: Who needs it, how do I take it?

WAC 110-300-0105

Roles that are in charge of the program 50% or more of the time must complete licensing orientation.

The following roles have the ability to be responsible for the program 50% or more of the time: applicants, co-applicants, family home licensees, center directors, assistant directors, and program supervisors, and family home lead teachers who meet the requirements of a licensee. Those newly promoted or assuming a role of one of the roles listed here must complete or be registered in orientation training.

Orientation will be available at www.dcyftraining.com starting in summer 2019. Orientation will be available online in English, Spanish, and Somali.

If you have completed licensing orientation prior to August 1, 2019 for your program, you do not need to complete licensing orientation again. Those who are opening new sites or are hired into a new position that requires the completion of licensing orientation will need to complete licensing orientation.

WAC 110-300-0105 - TB Test: Who needs it, how do I do it? Does it matter if I have had a positive TB test in the past? Do I have to have it again?

WAC 110-300-0105

As an existing employee with a TB test, you need to have proof of a negative TB test on-site. As a new employee, family home member over 14 or volunteer, you have to get a TB test before you can be on-site at the program.

If you have already had a TB test in the past 12 months, and have not been exposed, that proof can be accepted and needs to be on file with the early learning program. If you have had a positive TB test, a current negative chest radiograph and documentation of clearance to safely work or reside in an early learning program is required.

Keep in mind, upon notification of TB exposure, early learning providers may be required to be retested for TB as directed by the local health jurisdiction.

WAC 110-300-0105 - When do fingerprints need to be done-before August 1st or when the background check is due?

WAC 110-300-0105

WAC 110-300-0105 - If a person already working in childcare transfers to another licensed site do they need a new TB test showing a date they had it done within the last 12 months?

WAC 110-300-0105

A new test is unnecessary if the individual has been working childcare continuously.

WAC 110-300-0105 - I always thought that if a person changed jobs and started working in a new child care, they had to get a new TB test. We have seen situations where the previous employer forgot to end-date the employee’s position under their program in MERIT. In situations where the previous employer forgot to end date employment for their program in MERIT, the licensor would not know whether there was an actual break in employment. When a licensor is reviewing a staff file, how would the licensor know the staff person came directly from a job in another child care before starting employment with a new provider? Would the individual need to show a new, and current, TB test result in MERIT and verified/confirmed? - New 6/30/21

WAC 110-300-0105

The Foundational Quality Standards do not define or identify what a break in service looks like. DCYF will accept a person’s previous TB test results that were obtained within 12 months prior to an individual’s start of employment in child care, AND there has been no break in their child care employment beyond 12 months.

WAC 110-300-0105(3)(a) - Is a blood test or a skin test the only option here or can a health professional do a symptom screening with risk assessment another way?

WAC 110-300-0105(3)(a)

That is only permissible if it is contraindicated for the individual and not an option. For example, the individual is pregnant. Individuals need to get a waiver from Licensing Division and provide documentation from a health care provider that there is no active TB and that an exemption is needed.

WAC 110-300-0106 (11) - What is required by WAC regarding CPR training?

WAC 110-300-0106 (11)

CPR Training Acceptance

The following must apply to ensure that the CPR training meets the requirement outlined in WAC 110-300-0106 (11):

Training is completed by an instructor certified by one of these organizations:
- American Red Cross
- American Heart Association
- American Safety and Health Institute
The training must include a hands-on component and demonstration in front of a certified instructor.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DCYF implemented temporary modifications to training requirements to ensure access and ability to meet requirements during this time. CPR training modifications can be found here.

WAC 110-300-0115(1)(b) - What do I need to do to get CPR training verified?

WAC 110-300-0115(1)(b)

Follow the steps below to ensure your CPR training is verified.

Self-enter the training on your professional record in MERIT under Health and Safety trainings.
Provide one of the following items to your licensor or employer in order to have the completion of your training verified:
- Certification card
- Certificate
- Instructor letter

WAC 110-300-0100 - The WAC states BBP is done annually, but when providers put it in MERIT there is no expiration date. Do early learning providers have to enter training dates for completion every year, or should we just verify it during a visit? - New 6/30/21

WAC 110-300-0100

MERIT doesn’t have to be updated with annual refresher training dates, but may be. BBP training must be completed by each employee, and repeated, pursuant to the standards outlined by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Once a provider has documented the original completion, it is the provider’s responsibility to assure compliance with L & I requirements. DCYF only regulates to this requirement to assure a person is initially qualified for their position.

WAC 110-300-0106 - MERIT: How do I make sure my training is recorded in MERIT? What can I add myself?

WAC 110-300-0106

Training completed with a state-approved trainer will be entered into MERIT within 30 days of completion.

All health and safety training requirements, such as CPR/First Aid, TB, Food Worker card, etc. is self-entered in MERIT. Once you complete a required health and safety training, you should promptly add that into MERIT.

After you record your own health and safety training, your employer must look at your certificate and verify that they reviewed it. This means logging into MERIT and “verifying” it in MERIT. If you are the center director or family home licensee, your licensor will review your certificate on the next visit and verify that for you in MERIT. Until a document is verified, it will appear as “self-entered” in MERIT.

WAC 110-300-0106 - TRAINING: Can we complete online training as a group?

WAC 110-300-0106

Online trainings that are offered on www.dcyftraining.com must be completed individually. These certificates are awarded to the individual signed in, therefore, not everyone would receive credit. An option is to complete them together is using a computer lab where everyone can log into their own computer.

In-person trainings that are offered by a state-approved trainer can be completed in a group setting.

WAC 110-300-0106 - Blood Borne Pathogens Training: Who needs it, how do I take it?

WAC 110-300-0106

Blood borne pathogens must be completed by early learning providers who directly cares for children, and as required by the Department of Labor and Industries. This training can be completed in the community through trainings that meet the regulations outlined by Washington state Department of Labor and Industries. For example, this is often available as a bundle with CPR and First Aid training.

WAC 110-300-0106 - Child Care Basics: Who needs it, how do I take it? What about all the Health and Safety Training?

WAC 110-300-0106

Child Care Basics is the Initial Training Requirement that must be completed prior to being granted a license for a licensee, prior to working unsupervised, or within 3 months of hire, or 3 months from the date this rule becomes effective if you are an existing employee.

Child Care Basics is also often referred to as '30 hour STARS training' or 'Initial STARS class'.

Child Care Basics is offered by State-Approved Trainers. Child Care Basics can be completed at no cost through Imagine Institute and Child Care Aware of Washington. If you pay for the training, you can submit a training reimbursement application through MERIT. Each person is able to submit one application each fiscal year to receive up to $250 back as funding allows.

Child Care Basics includes topics such as:

Emergency preparedness training
Identifying shaken baby syndrome/abuse head trauma training
Serving children experiencing homelessness training
Medication management and administration training

Do Volunteers need to do Child Care Basics?

If you are an “ongoing volunteer” and will count in ratio, you will complete Health and Safety trainings. These can be found on the training portal, or you can choose to complete Child Care Basics, which includes these topics. See the Foundational Quality Standards Guidebook page 30 for more information.

Remember:

If you have already met your initial training requirement, whether you have an education exemption, or completed the 20 hours (also known as Building Blocks) when that was the rule and your training has been recorded in MERIT, you do not need to complete Child Care Basics again.
If you completed the 20-hour certificate when that was required and it was never entered into MERIT, we can no longer authenticate it and we know the 20-hour curriculum did not include all of the federally required health and safety training topics of today. You will need to either take Child Care Basics again, or complete the ECED&107 Health, Safety and Nutrition course.
Child Care Basics will meet your in-service training hours for the first year.
Education exemptions will no longer apply as of August 1, 2019. In addition, certificates older than 7 years will no longer be accepted. New employees must complete Child Care Basics or ECED&107, Health, Safety, and Nutrition.

You can reference the Child Health and Safety Supplemental Guide to learn more about the Health and Safety topics that were added into Child Care Basics in the latest update.

What if I complete the Initial Certificate?

If you choose to complete the college course ECED&107 Health, Safety and Nutrition, which is part of the Initial Certificate, and you can complete that within the timeframe allowed for your position to finish the Health and Safety training requirements, that will count in place of Child Care Basics. All content of Child Care Basics is offered in this course.

WAC 110-300-0106 - Food Worker Card: Who needs it and how do I get it?

WAC 110-300-0106

Early learning providers who prepare or serve food in the early learning program must obtain a food worker card. This includes the cook, as well as teachers and support staff who serve meals. If the family provides the food, you are still serving it to the children and must have a food worker card. This training can be completed in the community through trainings provided by the local health jurisdiction.

WAC 110-300-0106 - Safe Sleep: Who needs it and how do I get it?

WAC 110-300-0106

Early learning programs that are licensed to care for infants must have all staff who have training requirements complete the safe sleep training as outlined in WAC 110-300-0106(8). This does not include other personnel.

For a family home licensee, this training must be completed prior to being licensed. For roles working directly with infants and toddlers, this must be completed before working directly with infants and toddlers. For other roles in the program, this must be completed within 3 months of hire. Safe sleep training must be completed annually. You can complete Safe Sleep training at www.dcyftraining.com.

WAC 110-300-0106 - How do I show that I completed my health and safety requirements?

WAC 110-300-0106

WAC 110-300-0106 or 7 - WAC 110-300-0106&0107 - TRAINING: How do I take training if English is not my primary language?

WAC 110-300-0106 or 7

Online training is available in English and Spanish - and in some cases, Somali. DCYF works with contractors to also deliver in-person training in other languages or provide interpreters. You can search MERIT for available training in your langauge by selecting an advanced options. If you need assistance finding options in your language, contact the professional development team at training@dcyf.wa.gov

WAC 110-300-0106 - WAC 110-300-0106 - TRAINING - when do the trainings need to be completed?

WAC 110-300-0106

Trainings must be completed prior to be granted an initial license. New hires must complete them within three months of hire. Additional requirements include:

Child Care Basics – prior to working alone with children
First Aid CPR – prior to working alone with children
Child Restraint – prior to restraining a child
Safe Sleep – prior to caring for infants
Medication management – prior to administering medication
Food worker card – prior to preparing or serving food
Blood borne pathogens – prior to working with children

WAC 110-300-0106 - Our employees are supposed to have Bloodborne Pathogens Training prior to stepping in the classroom. Can we use a video or online training for that? OSHA Standards say that we have to have a trainer be available for questions online, by phone, or in person. If I have a new employee walk in on their first day, how do I meet this standard where it will be approved by my licensor or L&I official? Realistically, we need to get our staff into the classroom in a timely manner. So, if they watched a video and then the director answered the employee’s questions, would a licensor or OSHA person find this acceptable as long as the training includes all of the requirements?

WAC 110-300-0106

Labor & Industries has an on line Blood Borne Pathogens class. Also American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer the Blood Borne Pathogens Class. So to answer your question, yes when the online training comes from a certifiable entity, then this would meet the training requirement.

This course requirement along with other requirements should make up pre-service training new staff complete before working directly in the classroom environment.

WAC 110-300-0106 - At a recent WAC training, hosted by DCYF, there was a disagreement regarding the need of Child Care Basics for staff working less than 20 hours, supervised by a fully qualified staff person. In the situation when an aide or volunteer is to be counted in ratio, for less than 20 hours per month, the opinion of the participants was that neither an aide or volunteer needs Child Care Basics. Clarification would be helpful. Does a volunteer need the 30 hours Basic STARS?

WAC 110-300-0106

No. If you are an “ongoing volunteer” and will count in ratio, you will complete Health and Safety trainings. These can be found on the training portal, or you can choose to complete Child Care Basics, which includes these topics. See the Foundational Quality Standards Guidebook for more information.

WAC 110-300-0106 - We need to determine which staff need which elements of the Health & Safety Topics and what previous training is equivalent.

WAC 110-300-0106

The Health and Safety trainings can be found on the training portal, or you can choose to complete Child Care Basics, which includes these topics. See the Foundational Quality Standards Guidebook for more information.

WAC 110-300-0106 - WAC 110-300-0106 requires that early learning providers licensed, working, or volunteering must complete the required initial and ongoing trainings. We have volunteers for our program that do not work in a classroom (volunteer for policy council, board members, etc.) Would these people be required to complete all the initial and ongoing training as well?

WAC 110-300-0106

No, these individuals would not need to complete the training.

WAC 110-300-0106 - When you go to dcyftraining.com to complete the 5 required trainings (homelessness, medication management, head trauma, emergency preparedness, and child abuse), it says that the 30 hour Child Care Basics meets the requirement. So, does this mean that staff that complete the 30 hour Child Care Basics course, do not need to individually take each of these classes again?

WAC 110-300-0106

If a staff person has met the child care basics requirement, it also fulfills the requirement for these classes:

Emergency preparedness training
Identifying shaken baby syndrome/abuse head trauma training
Serving children experiencing homelessness training
Medication management and administration training
recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, and exploitation

WAC 110-300-0106 - I am wondering if my support staff (kitchen staff and maintenance staff) need to watch the required training videos. The videos I am referring to are the Homeless Families, Disaster Prep etc?

WAC 110-300-0106

Staff that do not work directly with the children do not need to complete the health and safety trainings. However, if there is a chance that they may have to be counted in ratio, they will need to complete the required trainings of an aide. You can use the “I am an Aide” checklist to see what trainings must be completed as an aide.

WAC 110-300-0106 - I am not sure if an aide always needs to take Child Care Basics. The WAC 110-300-0106(3)(b) states that early learning providers need to complete Child Care Basics prior to working unsupervised with children. What constitutes being ‘unsupervised’ with children? Is it working alone without the provider present? Taking children outside while the other staff are inside the facility? Or is it always required for an aide to take the Child Care Basics training?

WAC 110-300-0106

According to WAC 110-300-0106(3)(a)-(c) aides must complete the Child Care basic training.

WAC 110-300-0106 - I need some additional clarification on WAC 110-300-0106(11) on blood borne pathogens training. My provider and I have both reviewed L&I on blood borne training, we understand that it is to be done annually. As the L&I WAC 296-823-12005(4) states that the training needs to be conducted by a person who is knowledgeable about the subject matter as it relates to your workplace. We want to know if the director/assistant director can review their BBP policy with the staff annually to meet this training requirement? Usually when people get their First-aid/CPR cards the BBP can be included with those trainings, but those are only renewed every 2-3 years not yearly. I read the FAQ which said that the training can be completed in the community through trainings that meet the regulations outlined by L&I. If my provider’s BBP policy meet those regulations can she do the annual training with her staff? She is not certified though so there would not be a card provided to staff like they get when they do the first initial BBP training with their First-aid/CPR. Thank you in advance for the guidance with this.

WAC 110-300-0106

Inquire with L & I to find out if it will meet with their requirements.

WAC 110-300-0106 - WAC 110-300-0106 states “State or federal rules may require health and safety training described under this chapter to be renewed annually. Early learning providers hired after the date this section becomes effective must complete the training requirements of subsections (4) through (10) of this section within three months of the date of hire and prior to working in an unsupervised capacity with children.” Are Providers required to take these trainings annually or is safe sleep the only health and safety training that is required annually?

WAC 110-300-0106

WAC 110-300-0106(1) indicates, “State or federal rules may require health and safety training…”The federal requirement at this time does not include completing these trainings on an annual basis. These trainings are included in the Childcare Basics if completed after October 2018.

WAC 110-300-0106(5) - The mandated reporter and emergency preparedness is required annually? Regardless of which version of the Initial Certificate or Childcare Basics one completes?

WAC 110-300-0106(5)

WAC 110-300-0106(12) - Can you please explain what constitutes a ‘group’ of children as referred to in this WAC? For example, would it be okay for only one staff in a family home to have current CPR and First Aid if there are 12 children present? Would it be okay in a center if there was only one staff with current CPR and First Aid with a group of 30 school age children?

WAC 110-300-0106(12)

Currently, you must have one staff with current CPR and First Aid at all times with any group of children.

With the update to WAC 110-300-0106(11) the consideration is not about group size but whether persons on-site (staff or volunteers) may potentially count in the staff to child ratio.

WAC 110-300-0106(3) - 1) Aides are 14 yrs old to 17 yrs 11 months old and provide support. Why would someone this age take the child care basics training they are never left alone with the children they are always supervised. Plus the cost of $250.00 is not reimburse because they are not full time staff. 2) As you are looking through all the changes that need to be made to WAC 110-300-0100 (7) Aides If Aides and Volunteers cannot be left unsupervised with the children until they are 18 years old.….why do they have to complete child care basics or EQEL? 3) (1) An early learning provider must complete ten hours of annual in-service training after twelve months of cumulative employment. (a) Family home licensees, center directors, assistant directors, program supervisors, lead teachers, and assistant teachers must complete the department enhancing quality of early learning (EQEL) in-service training within thirty-six months of being hired in a licensed facility, unless the provider has completed a department approved alternative training. EQEL hours may count towards the ten hours of annual in-service training. Again, why would they take this class they are never left alone with the children they are always supervised.

WAC 110-300-0106 (3)

WAC 110-300-0107(1) requires early learning providers to complete ten hours of annual in-service training after being employed for a total of 12 months. WAC 110-300-0005 defines an "early learning provider" as a "licensee or designee who works in an early learning program during hours when children are or may be present. Designees include center directors, assistant director, program supervisors, lead teachers, assistants, instructional aides, aides, and volunteers." Because aides are included in the definition of early learning provider, they must also complete the training hours required under subsection 0107(1). Aides, like all other early learning staff, are required to complete ten hours of in-service training because they work directly with children in early learning programs.

WAC 110-300-0106(5) - How often do we need to complete the emergency preparedness training?

WAC 110-300-0106 (5)

WAC 110-300-0106(5) requires an early learning provider to complete the emergency preparedness training through DCYF or a trainer approved by DCYF "according to subsection (1) of this section." Subsection 0106(1) requires any early learning provider already working or volunteering to complete the training requirements listed in section 0106 "within three months of the date this section becomes effective." Early learning providers who are hired to work or volunteer after this section becomes effective must complete the emergency preparedness training within three months of the date of their hire if they will be working directly with children and without supervision. State or federal rules may require health and safety training described under this chapter to be renewed annually.

WAC 110-300-0106(7) - How often do we need to complete the children experiencing homelessness training?

WAC 110-300-0106 (7)

WAC 110-300-0106(7) requires an early learning provider to complete the training on children experiencing homelessness through DCYF or a trainer approved by DCYF "according to subsection (1) of this section." Subsection 0106(1) requires any early learning provider already working or volunteering to complete the training requirements listed in section 0106 "within three months of the date this section becomes effective." Early learning providers who are hired to work or volunteer after this section becomes effective must complete the training within three months of the date of their hire if they will be working directly with children and without supervision. State or federal rules may require health and safety training described under this chapter to be renewed annually.

WAC 110-300-0107(10) - How often do we need to complete the medication management training? What are the rules and regulations of medication Administration in the new WAC? What are the rules and regulations of medication Administration in the new WAC?

WAC 110-300-0107 (10)

WAC 110-300-0106(10) requires family home licensees, center directors, assistant directors, program supervisors, and lead teachers to complete the medication management training according to subsection (1) of this section. Subsection 0106(1) requires any early learning provider already working or volunteering to complete the training requirements listed in section 0106 "within three months of the date this section becomes effective." Early learning providers who are hired to work or volunteer after this section becomes effective must complete the medication management training within three months of the date of their hire if they will be working directly with children and without supervision.

This WAC states that medication management and administration training must be completed by staff before administering medications to a child, to ensure that a child is receiving the appropriate medication in a safe manner to avoid medication misuse or overdose.State or federal rules may require health and safety training described under this chapter to be renewed annually.

WAC 110-300-0107(11) - Is the prevention of exposure to blood and body fluids the same as the blood borne pathogens that we take every 3 years as a refresher course with our First Aid and CPR class? How often and through who do I repeat my prevention of exposure to blood and body fluids training?

WAC 110-300-0107 (11)

Blood borne pathogens must be completed by all early learning providers who directly care for children, and as required by the Department of Labor and Industries. Labor and Industry standards for renewal must be met. This training can be completed in the community through trainings that meet the regulations outlined by Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

What trainings are new and what trainings just have a new title but the same content? What trainings are new and/or additional?

Child Care Basic or CCB is curriculum designed to meet the initial basic training requirement for early learning program staff working in licensed or certified programs in Washington state. It serves as a broad introduction for professionals who are pursuing a career in the early care and education field.

To assist an early learning provider to meet the Child Care Development Fund and WAC requirements, Child Care Basics now includes the following additional health and safety training requirements:

Recognizing and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Emergency Preparedness
Prevention and Identifying Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abuse Head Trauma
Serving Children Experiencing Homelessness
Medication Management and Administration

These trainings were added to Child Care Basics in October 2018. If an early learning provider completed Child Care Basics prior to October 2018, they may visit the Provider Portal to complete the supplemental trainings to gain more knowledge on vital health and safety components.

In-service trainings are trainings all early learning professionals except volunteers must complete 10 hours annually.

WAC 110-300-0100 (10)(d) - If a teacher has a State Initial ECE Certificate or Preschool CDA could they submit for an exception/waiver for their Basic 30 STARS Hours? - New 5/16/22

WAC 110-300-0100 (10)(d)

DCYF no longer accepts education exemptions to meet these requirements. However, there are multiple ways to meet this requirement that may be found in the Completing Child Care Basics document. https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/CompletingCCB.pdf

WAC 110-300-0107 - If an early learning provider is several years behind in STARS hours, how many hours would be required to catch up? Just the previous year, the previous 2 years, or all of the missed STARS hours? - New 5/16/22

WAC 110-300-0107

WAC 110-300 was implemented in August of 2019 and soon after the COVID pandemic took place. DCYF recognizes that in response to the pandemic, in-person trainings were not readily available and that some trainings took time to establish in a virtual setting. DCYF will inspect training hours for the 2022 year and moving forward.

WAC 110-300-0107 - TRAINING: How much in-service (STARS) training do I need? How can I complete my hours? What if I have college credits, CEUs, or attend conferences?

WAC 110-300-0107

All early learning professionals except volunteers must complete 10 hours of in-service training annually. Hours are calculated using calendar year, January 1 – December 31. If required training hours are not completed each year, this means a program is out of compliance with that rule.

In-service hours are met through:

A State-Approved trainer who records training completion in MERIT. These classes may be in-person training, online training, or distance/correspondence training.
A conference pre-approved in MERIT as in-service training hours
A Continuing Education Proposal - this is an application in MERIT completed by the provider for training completed that is not by a state-approved trainer. For example - OSPI clock hours that align with the Core Competencies for Early Learning and Care Professionals can be submitted this way to meet in-service hours.
College coursework aligned with the core competencies and recorded and verified in MERIT

How do I pay for my in-service training hours? DCYF contracts with Child Care Aware and the Imagine Institute to offer some of their in-service training at no cost. For all other options that require a cost, early learning providers may submit for training reimbursement in MERIT. Each person is able to submit one application each fiscal year to receive up to $250 back as funding allows.

A maximum of 5 hours can be “carried over” each year, which would mean the following year would only require an additional five hours.

Child Care Basics meets your first year of required in-service training. Child Care Basics can’t be taken repeated times to meet in-service hours in future years. A minimum of one hour each year must be in health and safety topics to meet federal requirements.

WAC 110-300-0107 - TRAINING: What if I have staff who only work occasionally – like to fill in for doctor’s appointments? What if a person only works during the summer? What in-service training do they need?

WAC 110-300-0107

Seasonal workers need to complete 10 hours of in-service after 12 months of cumulative employment. Employment information is captured in MERIT, so it is critical to start and end date seasonal employment if you want the clock to pause for seasonal workers.

How this works for seasonal staff:
Twelve (12) months of cumulative employment is calculated by counting the months of employment over time, even if there are breaks in employment.

Example:
If someone works 3 months out of the year, it would take them 4 years to work a total of 12 months. If they continue to work for you each year, they would have an in-service requirement to be completed in year 5.

How this works for part time Aides:
If someone is filling in for appointments, they are likely an aide, meaning they count in ratio but under continuous supervision. If an aide works 20 hours or more per month in a licensed program, they need to complete 10 hours of in-service training each year. If they work 19 hours or less in a month, they do not need to meet in-service training requirements each year. They will need to meet any renewal health and safety training requirements as specified to be met annually.

Part time workers in any other role besides aide must complete 10 hours of in-service.

WAC 110-300-0107 - Enhancing Quality Early Learning: Who needs it how do I take it?

WAC 110-300-0107

The Enhancing Quality of Early Learning Training Series (EQEL) is only required for new family home licensees or newly hired center directors, assistant directors, program supervisors, lead teachers and assistant teachers. The EQEL training must be completed within thirty six months of beginning the role of licensee or listed program staff. This does not apply to those who were hired prior to August 1, 2019 (as verified in MERIT) even if they move roles or facilities. The EQEL series counts as the in-service training requirements for the first two years after completion of Child Care Basics. This 20 hour training series builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills that were gained with Child Care Basics. The EQEL training series will be offered through DCYF and only needs to be completed once. This training series will be introduced in a pilot Spring 2020 and widely available Summer 2020. Available options will be listed in MERIT in ‘Find Training’.

WAC 110-300-0107 - TRAINING: What does the leadership practices and child development training mean and how do I complete this?

WAC 110-300-0107

All family home licensees, directors, assistant directors, and program supervisors must complete a minimum of ten hours of in-service training on "child development" and a minimum of ten hours of in-service training on "leadership practices" every 36 months. Leadership practices includes: program planning and development, professional development, and leadership. It might be topics such as staff relationships and development, business practices, operations management, budgets and finance, or supervision and teambuilding. Child Development includes all other competency areas: child growth and development, curriculum and learning environment, ongoing measurement of child progress, family and community partnerships, health, safety, nutrition, and interactions.

What does the WAC mean by 10 hours every 36 months? This means that in 3 years a person in these roles will complete 30 hours of in-service training. 10 of those 30 hours in the 3 year period will need to be about Leadership Practices.

How will I be able to track this, and how will I know I am picking classes that meet this requirement? Individuals can search for training in MERIT and see the core competency area listed to select training based on the area of need. These are also indicated in the professional record in MERIT to track.

Best place to look for this information: The training chart describes this.

WAC 110-300-0107 - Do you provide the Health and Safety classes?

WAC 110-300-0107

Yes, you may visit the Training Portal to complete the supplemental trainings to gain more knowledge on vital health and safety components.

Select the link to view the Training Portal at https://dcyftraining.com/.

WAC 110-300-0107 - Do you provide the Child Development and business leadership classes?

WAC 110-300-0107

Yes these classes are available. Please visit the provider training portal.

Do we need to do the 10 hours of continuing education (stars hours) if we are taking college courses to earn our WA. State initial certificate?

College courses that align with our Washington State core competencies may meet the in-service requirements. It is important to submit all training and education to MERIT for evaluation to determine which training requirements have been met.

WAC 110-300-0100 - I have a question regarding STARS hours. In the past the WAC was very specific on Lead Teachers, Supervisor, and Directors and the STARS hour requirement. I have read the new WAC and I don't see where it states STARS Hours, it refers to "in-service training and professional development". Are in-service hours the same as STARS hours?

WAC 110-300-0100

“STARS hours” or “state-approved training” are other words commonly used when referring to “in-service”.

WAC 110-300-0107 - There seems to be some controversy over it is mandatory for providers to take this 10 hour business practices training this first year of the 3 year merit training requirement. (rolling 3 year requirement) Would you please clarify this situation for me. I am getting different answers from different people. Providers are wanting to know. We were setting up a series of classes to teach it to our whole group. Now, some of them are hearing it is not mandatory to take it.

WAC 110-300-0107

WAC 110-300-0107 (1)(b) calls out that family home licensees, center directors, program supervisors, and assistant directors must complete 10 hours of “leadership practices” every 36 months. This would include training that falls within the Professional Development and Leadership, and Program Planning and Development. This would need to be completed every three years. DCYF did develop a Business Practice training that Imagine has been piloting. The clarification is that this training, DCYF’s Strengthening (Sustaining) Business Practices is NOT required and is a training to help providers meet the leadership practices training requirements.

WAC 110-300-0107 - I have not seen trainings on the portal that are counted as STARS hours for the Inservice Requirement. There are trainings on there but none of them count for STARS credit. Can you please tell me what is provided on the portal that counts?

WAC 110-300-0107

To find classes on business and leadership you can search MERIT. Select ‘Find Training’, then ‘Training’. An advanced search option allows you to search by core competency area. Any classes in competency area VII ‘Program Planning and Development’ and VIII ‘Professional Development and Leadership’ meet this requirement – which is 10 hours over 3 years. Child Development classes are considered any other competency area I-VI.
The training portal at this time does not have these classes

WAC 110-300-0107 - I have a question regarding the Inservice Training for managers. If they complete the 10 hours in Child Development and the 10 hours of Leadership Practices in 36 months, this will be 20 hours in 3 years, but then they are still required to do the 10 hours per fiscal year. We have read the FAQ regarding this and it just isn’t making sense. They seem to contradict each other. Please give me an example of a manager completing both the annual 10 hours and the 3 year 20 hours?

WAC 110-300-0107

Managers (directors, assistant directors, and program supervisors) still have the 10 hour per year in-service requirement – with a focus of 10 hours in business and leadership for every three years. This allows you to complete the hours all at once if you choose, instead of having a few per year as a requirement so that you can go deeper in a topic area. This can be done in any combination, as long as in a 3 year period, 10 of the 30 hours are in business and leadership.

WAC 110-300-0107 - If a teacher has a State Initial ECE Certificate or Preschool CDA could they submit for an exception/waiver for their Basic 30 STARS Hours?

WAC 110-300-0107

WAC 110-300-0115(1)(d) requires the “early learning program staff records to be on site or in the program’s administrative office in a manner that allows the department to review the records”. We have several support staff who assist our centers, meet all head start requirements, and are not left unattended with children. My question is; Can we keep their physical employee file in our program administrative office and if and when our licensor request to see their information then we can provide this? Example of some positions we have as support staff are: Registered Nurses, Family & Community Partnership Specialist, Early Learning Mentor Coaches, or ERSEA Compliance Specialist. These positions provide trainings, guidance, modeling, classroom observations, monitoring of work, etc.

The WAC permits those records to be stored in an administrative office or location. The records or copies need to be accessible to the licensor during an on-site visit, whether that is electronically or by sending the licensor to a second location, other than the early learning program, to view the documents.

WAC 110-300-100 - What are the qualifications for a staff coming into a Child Care Center classroom to give a Lead Teacher a bathroom break? Would this staff need to be qualified as an Assistant Teacher or would it be okay for an Aide (age 18) to fill in for this situation? - New 12/23/20

WAC 110-300-0100

If the lead teacher is the only staff with the group of children, an aide would not meet the requirements to provide a break for the lead teacher because they must be under continuous supervision. If there was a second staff, such as an Assistant Teacher, present, then an aide could provide a break for either of those staff as long as they were under continuous supervision.

WAC 110-300-0115(3)(d) - WAC 110-300-0115(3)(d)(Staff Records) requires that annual observations, evaluation and feedback are placed in a staff file. If a family home provider does not do annual evaluations, or any formal evaluation, but rather conducts ongoing observations, are they required to write those down and place them in staff files? Or can they merely have ongoing conversations with staff about their work without documenting it? Does this WAC require that a family home provider complete annual evaluations, observations, etc., or can their policy be that they do not complete evaluations for their staff?

WAC 110-300-0115(3)(d)

This does not have to be a formal process. An example would be observing staff and providing verbal feedback. Providers must include documentation in staff files annually per WAC 110-300-0115 (3(d). This may be a date that feedback was provided and could also include feedback notes and other documentation.

WAC 110-300-0120 - WAC 110-300-0120(3) - Will staff now have to keep immunizations on file so that directors know when to exclude them when communicable diseases are exposed to them? How will this be enforced? Will these always be in file or just during outbreaks?

WAC 110-300-0120

Per WAC 110-300-0015, early learning providers, including directors, are required to keep staff records, including vaccination and exemption records, on-site or in the programs administrative office. These staff records must be kept in a way that allows DCYF to review the records. As a result, this would aid early learning providers to determine whether staff have been vaccinated against a particular disease in the event of a contagious disease outbreak.

WAC 110-300-0120(3) - Will staff now have to keep immunizations on file so that directors known when to exclude them when communicable diseases are exposed to them? How will this be enforced? Will these always be in file or just during outbreaks?

WAC 110-300-0120(3)

In 110-300-0120-subsection (4) The expectation is that proof of immunizations be provided during a communicable disease outbreak. A bill is in session currently related to childcare providers and immunizations and this may change the agency directive. Yes, employee and volunteer immunization records must be on-site (paper) or readily available (electronic) for DCYF to review during monitoring visits. HB 1638 was passed in the spring of 2019, and goes into effect July 28, 2019. This bill addresses the immunization records of center employees and volunteers. It states that centers “may not allow on the premises an employee or volunteer who has not provided the [program] with” immunization records. The bill also requires center early learning programs to “maintain [immunization records] in the person’s personnel record maintained by the [program].” Additionally, WAC 110-300-0115(2) requires early learning providers to have and maintain staff records, including immunization records. WAC 110-300-0120(3) states that a staff person who has not been vaccinated or shown proof of immunity to a contagious disease may be required to remain off-site during an outbreak of a contagious disease. Thus, it is reasonable to believe early learning directors would use staff vaccination records to determine who must remain off-site during an outbreak of a contagious disease.

WAC 110-300-0120(3) - States that I may have to be excluded from my program if I cannot prove immunity to a contagious disease outbreak. I have contact my medical provider and she stated I probably have a natural immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella because I was born before 1957. She does not recommend a vaccination. How will this situation be handled in case of a measles, mumps, or rubella outbreak?

WAC 110-300-0120(3)

A health care provider’s attestation may meet the requirement however it must include specific documentation included in subsection 110-300-0120(3)(a). It must include records of vaccine, show proof of immunity, evidence of antibody titre or the health care provider's attestation of the person's history of measles sufficient to provide immunity against measles. In an outbreak providers are subject to 110-300-0120(4) An early learning program's health policy, pursuant to WAC 110-300-0500, must include provisions for excluding or separating staff with a contagious disease described in WAC 246-110-010, as now and hereafter amended.

If a staff person had a negative TB test result and worked for one facility, then moved to another with no break in service, do they need a new TB test? If that same person moves to another facility and there is a short (2 months) break in service, do they need a new test? If an individual who worked for her mother (the licensed provider) and has a cleared TB test, is now applying to be the provider in that same home (both live there), does the applicant need a new TB test because she is a new applicant, or can she use the one that was good when she was a staff person in the home?

If an early learning provider moves from one program to another OR leaves the early learning field and then returns, they will need to provide TB results from within the previous 12 months. Currently, this WAC is being reviewed for possible updates or clarity.

How many staff meetings are required per year in a licensed child care center?

It is at the provider’s discretion to make this business decision, as long as the obligation to have staff meetings is met.

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Professional Development, Training and Requirements

Professional Development, Training and Requirements

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