DCYF convenes work group on staff qualifications under HB 1648, final report due Dec. 1, 2026

A Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) staff qualifications work group created by House Bill 1648 has begun monthly meetings to develop recommendations on staff qualification requirements for early learning providers.

The work group was described at an Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) meeting by Gretchen Star Brunig, workforce support manager in the Early Learning Division, and Brett Skinner, child care policy manager. “The work group members will come together monthly to consider research and community input, to shape their recommendations,” Brunig said.

ELAC members heard that the two statutory functions of the bill are to extend the timeline for staff qualifications to Aug. 1, 2030, and to establish this advisory work group; the work group must produce a final report to the legislature by Dec. 1, 2026. Brunig said DCYF has federal Preschool Development Grant funds to hire a facilitator and has contracted Jennifer Jennings Schaeffer to facilitate meetings and draft the report.

Why it matters: the work group’s recommendations will inform possible rule and policy changes that affect training, credentialing and alternative pathways for early learning staff across Washington state. The group’s recommendations will be synthesized into revised rule language and a final report to be routed through DCYF internal review and then to the legislature.

DCYF staff told ELAC members that the work group is intended to center voices from the field. Brent Skinner said membership was selected to reflect a diversity of geography, program types and languages; Brunig said 55 providers volunteered and that roughly 55% of the membership are active members of the workforce. Participants include center and family-home providers, Tribal programs (including certified-for-payment-only participation where appropriate), small and large programs, school-age providers and multiple language communities (English, Spanish and Somali were cited).

Work plan and process: the work group will meet monthly, with three-hour virtual meetings planned through the fall and a regular schedule beginning in January. Tasks assigned in the bill include clarifying rules and policies, defining criteria to honor equivalent out-of-state education and experience, and identifying options for community-based training pathways and online delivery for PACE (Professional Advancement for Childcare Educators) or similar pathways.

ELAC members and other participants urged DCYF to ensure the work group includes voices who can speak to the experience of delivering training in the field and to consider site visits and public listening sessions to gather broader input. Representative Josh Penner and several providers emphasized inclusion of disability- and inclusion-focused providers and practical training pathways that reduce barriers to entry and retention in the workforce.

Discussion versus formal action: DCYF staff made clear the work group is advisory. Brunig and Skinner described the staff role as providing research, facilitation and a synthesis for rule development; staff do not vote on recommendations. No formal rule changes or regulatory actions were adopted at the meeting; work group recommendations will be drafted, reviewed by DCYF steering staff and included in a report to the legislature.

Next steps: DCYF will post a public webpage with work group materials, roster and meeting minutes; continue monthly meetings and gather community input; and route the final recommendations through DCYF internal review beginning in September of the next year so the report can be finalized for the Dec. 1, 2026 deadline.