1. (1) A recognized accrediting body that accredits student living accommodations at approved residential private schools may be recognized for the purpose of accrediting student living accommodations if the state board of education determines that the accrediting body's accreditation standards related to student living accommodations examine criteria comparable to the criteria established in negotiated rules developed by the department of children, youth, and families, to implement RCW 74.15.325. The standards for accreditation must be determined to be comparable and must address the needs of children and youth during noninstructional hours including, but not limited to:

   1. (a) Space allotted to each child or youth for sleeping;
   2. (b) Developmentally appropriate privacy requirements;
   3. (c) Personal storage;
   4. (d) Nutritional needs;
   5. (e) Cleanliness and hygiene of living quarters;
   6. (f) Social-emotional well-being during noninstructional hours;
   7. (g) Health and wellness accommodations;
   8. (h) Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
   9. (i) Physical safety.
2. (2) Accreditation of a residential program is a supplemental accreditation status. An accreditor recognized by the state board of education for the purpose of accrediting student living accommodations must also meet the criteria in WAC 180-55-017. An appropriately recognized accreditor may accredit the residential program only for schools that are fully accredited for their academic program by the same accrediting body.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 and 2023 c 441. WSR 25-13-031, s 180-55-160, filed 6/9/25, effective 7/10/25.]