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Committee hears support, some cautions for HB 2219 to ease childcare staffing pressures
Summary
House Bill 2219 would expand allowable mixed‑age group time at child care centers and waive duplicative pre‑service orientation for experienced providers; providers and unions praised the modest fixes as operationally helpful while some associations urged flexibility in the bill’s hour caps.
The Early Learning & Human Services Committee heard testimony in favor of House Bill 2219, which would authorize expanded mixed‑age group time (with staff‑to‑child ratios anchored to the youngest child) and waive duplicative pre‑service orientation for providers who already completed the training.
Committee counsel O’Meara Harrington explained the bill’s two elements: statutory guidelines for mixed‑age grouping (up to 2.5 hours per day, or up to 4 hours if at least 90 minutes are reserved for meals/rest for staff) and a waiver of duplicative DCYF orientation when applicable. Representative Lillian Ortiz Self, the prime sponsor, described the bill as a practical measure to reduce regulatory burden on small providers.
Speakers including Erin Heick of SEIU 925, Amy Anderson of the Washington Child Care Centers Association, Mary Curry (a licensed family child‑care provider), Jordan Crowley of Alki Beach Academy, and Alex Galliano of the Children’s Campaign Fund Action, spoke in support. Testifiers highlighted staffing shortages, missed legally required breaks and practical licensing barriers that hinder program expansion.
Amy Anderson said she supported section 2 but urged the committee to reconsider rigid hourly caps in subsections A and B because those caps may reduce operational flexibility for centers with nonstandard schedules. Representative Esselick and the ranking member also expressed support. Several witnesses urged the committee to treat the changes as the start of broader regulatory conversation rather than a comprehensive fix.
The committee closed the hearing on HB 2219 after panels of in‑person and Zoom witnesses provided operational perspectives and suggested minor adjustments.
