The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) held a webinar on October 2, 2025, to discuss the agency's legislative session plans for 2026. The meeting focused on the agency's budget requests and the current economic climate affecting early learning programs.

During the session, officials clarified that there would be no requests for expansion of the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP) this year. Instead, the agency's budget proposals are primarily centered on technical needs within the working connection space, reflecting a shift towards more refined and smaller asks compared to previous years. This change is attributed to the ongoing economic challenges, including a potential budget deficit facing the state.

Participants raised questions regarding the agency's strategy for maintaining base funding levels without seeking new investments. Officials explained that this is a supplemental year, which typically does not allow for new funding requests. They emphasized the importance of sustaining existing programs rather than expanding them in a difficult financial environment.

Additionally, while there are no new funding requests for early learning, the agency confirmed that resources for childcare training and scholarships remain intact. This indicates a commitment to professional development for childcare providers, despite the lack of new funding initiatives.

The meeting concluded with officials expressing their awareness of the challenges faced by external partners and the agency's responsiveness to the current authorizing environment. Overall, the webinar highlighted the DCYF's cautious approach to budgeting in light of economic realities, focusing on maintaining essential services rather than seeking expansion.