[Risikat Adebiyi]

An individual or entity that provides childcare and early learning service for a group of children birth through twelve years of age must be licensed by the department.

License is required when an individual provides childcare and early learning services in his or her family home.

The department may license a center located in a private family residence when the portion of the residence accessible to children is separate from the family living quatres.

[Jaspreet]

During the activity, I discovered that the Washington Administrative Code (WACs) provides comprehensive guidelines and regulations governing various aspects of early learning and childcare programs in the state. I found that the WACs cover a wide range of topics, including licensing requirements, health and safety standards, staff qualifications, curriculum guidelines, and child-to-staff ratios.

I was surprised by some of the specific requirements outlined in the WACs, particularly regarding health and safety protocols, such as the detailed regulations for maintaining a safe environment, including procedures for emergency preparedness and sanitation.

Yes, I can see how the WACs will significantly influence my day-to-day practice in caring for children. By adhering to the regulations outlined in the WACs, I can ensure the safety, well-being, and positive development of the children in my care. For example, following proper procedures for hygiene and sanitation helps prevent the spread of illness, while maintaining appropriate child-to-staff ratios ensures that each child receives adequate attention and supervision. Additionally, understanding and implementing curriculum guidelines outlined in the WACs can support the delivery of high-quality early learning experiences that promote children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Overall, compliance with the WACs is essential for providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children to learn and grow.

[Lena Lewis]

1. I learned that there is many different sections that go in depth with requirements and regulations in the state of Washington coming from a different state it’s different to see the regulations and guidelines here.

2. What surprised me was to see 110-300-0175 Water Hazards and Swimming pools. I have worked in a few other child care centers we did have a brief water hazard section but not this in depth.

3. I can see how the WACs will influence your day because after going through the sections you take note of the guidelines and what steps will be taken place for you to follow depending on the situation that is occurring.

[Joseline Murillo]

1. The WACs are incredibly thorough, and their attention to detail will help establish a consistent and high-quality level of care across all licensed centers. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that every child receives the same level of care and attention, no matter where they are.

2. It’s surprising to learn that there is a WAC address specifically for the center and its animals, but it’s a crucial part of ensuring that every aspect of care is considered and accounted for. By adhering to these guidelines, we can create a safe and healthy environment for the children we care for.

3. The WACs will have a significant impact on our day-to-day practices, from the basics of keeping a first aid kit on hand to more serious matters such as recognizing signs of abuse and reporting them. By following these guidelines, we can create a supportive and protective environment for the children in our care.

[Amudha Alagarsamy]

There are lots of guidelines from the Washington state which are more detailed ,clear and concise .It helps to provide safe and nurturing environment for kids.

One of the WAC’s that surprised me was that we need to take so many steps when we not able to provide a care to a child.

WAC’s provide indepth information to provide care for children.It definitely influence and guides child care providers in their day tp day practice of caring and nurturing children.

[sasikala]

1.There are a lot of guidelines to keep in mind.

2. The thing is surprised me the most is that there was a WAC add the center and animals. I understand why is it included but it was just not something i would have consider before.

3.WAC will definitely influence our day to day practice at minimum a first aid kit in the class room to extreme as being aware of signs of abuse a mandated reporter.

[terina]

While completing the “Going on a WAC Hunt” activity, I was genuinely surprised by the breadth and depth of topics covered in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). It was eye-opening to see how extensively the WACs regulate various aspects of licensed child care facilities, from staffing requirements to health and safety standards to program administration.

Discovering the detailed scenarios and regulations outlined in the WACs made me realize the level of responsibility and accountability that comes with working in early childhood education. Each WAC seemed to anticipate different situations and provided specific guidelines for how to handle them, ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of care for children in early learning settings.

This experience reinforced for me the importance of being knowledgeable about the WACs and understanding how they directly impact my day-to-day practice as a child care provider. Whether it’s maintaining proper staff-to-child ratios, implementing health and sanitation protocols, or planning educational activities that meet state standards, adhering to the WACs is crucial for creating a nurturing and compliant environment for the children in my care.

[Autsanee Tongtab]

Every Childcare needs to follow licensing for the wellbeing of children and families. Also, the staff need to be trained to follow all the Washington State expectations. The training is a very important requirement and we be aware to renew the ones we need in advanced.

Keep updated our annual training. Child development training includes the following Washington

state core competencies: Child growth and development, curriculum and

learning environment, ongoing measurements of child progress, family

and community partnerships, health, safety, nutrition, and interactions.

[Magdalyne Cole]

1. I discovered that the learning centers must provide materials for children going to school so they can be prepared.

2. It was surprising to me to read the facilities must provide the materials to students.

3. I can totally see how WACs will influence my daily practices in caring for children because it allows me to focus on the rules set in place for the care I will be giving.

[Rachelle]

WACs that surprised me: this might be a little more on the ‘random’ side, but while browsing the WACs I was surprised to learn that in WAC 110-300-0148 you are allowed to keep “commonplace toxic plants” in a garden on the childcare premises provided you follow all the rules involved, which sounds crazy until you consider that tomatoes and potatoes are considered “commonplace toxic plants” due to things like their leaves being not safe to consume… I had never thought of a tomato as a potentially toxic plant before. I guess that just goes to show that it is important to actually read through everything because there might be something in the WACs you hadn’t even thought of before.

[Clementine Hess]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? I learned that there is a lot that goes into outlining the proper procedures for early child hood education.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? Not particularly.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes, I think its certainly important to understand the WAC’s so you can ensure you don’t breach any professional boundaries.