Bill to Create Pre-K Promise Account Wins Support From Rural and Advocacy Groups

The committee heard an engrossed substitute for Senate Bill 5,872, which would establish a Pre-K Promise account to receive gifts, grants and donations exclusively to support children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECAP).

Jordan Clark, staff, said the account would not be appropriated but would be subject to allotment procedures, with only the DCYF secretary authorized to expend funds. Clark noted DCYF estimates initial administrative costs to track funds and that the governor’s proposed budget included authority to use about $34.5 million in non-appropriated funds in FY2027 to support roughly 2,000 additional school-day ECAP slots.

Multiple witnesses representing rural counties and statewide advocacy groups testified in support. Andrea Carrillo (Grant County Coalition for Health Improvement) and Jess Russell (Okanogan Coalition for Health Improvement) said rural communities face significant access barriers and that a dedicated account would allow philanthropic investments and local flexibility to recruit providers and add classrooms. Leslie Dezano referenced the Ballmer Group commitment to fund up to 10,000 ECAP slots over 10 years and said the bill would enable the state to accept and manage those funds.

Karen Mattson (Snohomish County Human Services) described local ECAP management of about 1,440 slots and urged passage to expand school-based and licensed childcare seats.

The public hearing concluded with urging from rural advocates and county managers for the committee to advance the bill.