1. (1) The department may issue an initial license when a school-age program applicant demonstrates compliance with health and safety requirements of this chapter but may not be in full compliance with all requirements, pursuant to RCW 43.216.315.

   1. (a) An initial license is valid for six months from the date issued.
   2. (b) At the department's discretion, an initial license may be extended for up to three additional six-month periods, not to exceed a total of two years.
   3. (c) The department must evaluate the school-age provider's ability to follow requirements contained in this chapter during the initial license period.
2. (2) The department may issue a nonexpiring license to a licensee operating under an initial license who demonstrates compliance with the requirements of this chapter during the period of initial licensure, pursuant to RCW 43.216.305.

3. (3) A licensee must submit annual compliance documents, and must do so at least 30 calendar days prior to that provider's licensing anniversary date. A provider's anniversary date is the date the first initial license was issued. The required annual compliance documents are:

   1. (a) The annual nonrefundable license fee; and

   2. (b) A declaration on the department's form indicating:

      1. (i) The intent to continue operating a licensed school-age program;
      2. (ii) The intent to cease operation as a licensed school-age program;
      3. (iii) A change in the school-age program's operational hours or dates; and
      4. (iv) The intent to comply with all licensing rules.
   3. (c) Documentation of completed background check applications as determined by the department's established schedule, pursuant to RCW 43.216.270; and
   4. (d) For each individual required to have a background check clearance, the school-age provider must verify current background checks or require the individual to submit a background check application at least 30 calendar days prior to the anniversary date.
4. (4) If a licensee fails to meet the requirements for continuing a nonexpiring license by their anniversary date, the licensee's current license expires. The school-age provider must submit a new application for licensure, pursuant to RCW 43.216.305(3).
5. (5) Nothing about the nonexpiring license process in this section may interfere with the department's established monitoring practices, pursuant to RCW 43.216.305 (4)(a).
6. (6) A licensee has no right to an adjudicative proceeding (hearing) to appeal the expiration, nonrenewal, or noncontinuation of a nonexpiring license resulting from a failure to comply with the requirements of this section.
7. (7) A licensee must have department approval to hold dual licenses (for example: A school-age program license and another care giving license, certification, or similar authorization).

8. (8) If the department determines that a licensee is not meeting all applicable requirements and regulations the:

   1. (a) Department and licensee may agree to modify the school-age program license;
   2. (b) Licensee may give up one of the licenses, certifications, or authorizations; or
   3. (c) Department may suspend, deny, or revoke the school-age license, pursuant to RCW 43.216.325.

9. (9) A school-age provider must report within 24 hours:

   1. (a) To the department and local authorities: A fire or other structural damage to the school-age program space or other parts of the premises;

   2. (b) To the department:

      1. (i) A retirement, termination, death, incapacity, or change of the program director or site director, or change of ownership or incorporation of a provider;
      2. (ii) When a provider becomes aware of a charge or conviction against themselves, a staff person, or applicable household member, pursuant to WAC 110-06-0043;
      3. (iii) When a provider becomes aware of an allegation or finding of abuse or neglect of a child, youth, or vulnerable adult made against themselves or a staff person; and
      4. (iv) Any changes in the school-age program hours of operation to include closure dates.
10. (10) Prior to increasing capacity of a school-age program, the licensee, program director, or site director must request and be approved to increase capacity by the department.
11. (11) The licensee, program director, or site director must have state fire marshal or department approval and comply with local building ordinances following a significant change under WAC 110-301-0402 (1)(a) through (d), if applicable.
12. (12) The licensee, program director, or site director must notify the department within 30 calendar days when liability insurance coverage under RCW 43.216.700 has lapsed or been terminated.

[Statutory Authority: 2024 c 298, 2023 c 122, 22 U.S.C. sec 7101 et seq., RCW 74.13.031, 74.04.050, 74.15.030, 43.215.070, 43.215.201, 43.216.055, 43.216.065, and 43.216.742. WSR 26-09-080, s 110-301-0425, filed 4/14/26, effective 5/15/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.216.055 and 43.216.065. WSR 21-10-035, § 110-301-0425, filed 4/27/21, effective 6/1/21.]