Fostering in Washington: Finding Connection through Baseball
Fostering was not part of the Agor family plan. But when Carin Agor met Cheyanne and heard that she was entering foster care, her husband and their three children welcomed Cheyanne and her sister into their home.
Child Care Licensing Rule Changes
The 2026 Legislature made some changes to child care licensing rules under HB 2317 and 2219. These changes give providers more flexibility while still protecting children’s health and safety. The following changes go into effect on June 11, 2026.
Licensing Exemptions for Certain Programs
Mental and Behavioral Health Services Provided to Young People in Juvenile Rehabilitation
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national movement to raise awareness of individuals living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce stigma.
Young people in Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR), receive services and treatment focused on mental and behavioral health, including:
Subsidy Rate Increase for Child Care Centers
The Washington State Legislature passed HB 2689 which updates child care center subsidy rates starting July 1, 2026. Rates will be set at the 85th percentile based on the most recent market rate survey published before May 20, 2025.
Starting July 1, 2026, providers will be paid based on the region where they are located:
