Utilizing this Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) approach, DCYF’s Licensing Division (LD) has begun the process of creating new licensing WAC for residential private schools. This NRM project is associated with the Senate Bill 5515, along with the mission, vision, values, and guiding principles of DCYF.
DCYF will launch the Residential Private Schools Pilot Licensing Process from Oct. 15, 2024, through April 2025 to refine the rules, policies, and practices that will be used in licensing these programs. Training for the schools and DCYF staff will occur in June 2025 and the official program will launch July 2025.
What is Negotiated Rule Making?
Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) is a way to develop rules by seeking consensus from delegates representing groupings of similar parties impacted by the rule. Utilizing the NRM approach to rule making has several benefits, such as:
- Providing greater public access to rulemaking
- Creating more culturally and developmentally appropriate rules
- A better understanding of rule intent and increased compliance with rules
NRM WAC Process:
- WAC draft will be submitted through form CR-105 for public comment (November 2024)
- If there are no public objections, DCYF will file the CR-103 form for final approval (January to February 2025)
- If objections were made, a public hearing will be set no later than April 8.
- All of this process will be completed, and the WAC will be approved and live by July 1, 2025
Project Timeline
- August 2023-Dec. 30, 2023 – Research and collaborative planning
- Jan. 1, 2024 – Residential Private Shool NRM project kicks off
- January-September 2024 – Rule drafting, rule making, rule filing and public comment
- October 2024-January 2025 – Creation of licensing structure, process, policies/procedures, forms, and IT development.
- June 2025 – Provider and DCYF Training
- July 2025 - Go Live
Ways to Engage
To accommodate individual participant schedules, commitment ability, level of investment, etc., folks can participate in the NRM project by:
- Staying connected through the RPS NRM webpage and provide feedback during the public comment process
- Participating as an in-person negotiation participant grouping representative
- Contact Melanie Morris and/or David Cherrington to discuss any issues or concerns you may have
If you have questions and/or need additional information regarding the RPS NRM project, email melanie.morris@dcyf.wa.gov.