Our Legislative Successes
For over 30 years, we have traveled to Olympia, testified before the legislature, and fought to ensure that Washington State laws protect the children who cannot protect themselves.
“Without protest, there will be no moral vision nor progressive agenda serving the best for our kids.”
30+ Years in Olympia
Parents for Safe Child Care has made the journey to Washington’s state capitol time and again — to testify before committees, meet with legislators, and remind policymakers that the safety and well-being of our children must come first.
In 1997, the organization was honored to nationally represent the voice of consumer-based child care nonprofits at the White House Child Care Conference — a testament to the reach and credibility of grassroots advocacy done right.
Stuart Jacobson continues to testify on child care safety legislation today, appearing before the legislature on bills like HB 1282 to ensure the children’s perspective is never absent from the debate.
Key Legislative Victories
Laws and policies we helped shape to protect children in Washington State’s licensed child care system.
Office of Ombudsman for Children & Families
Established a dedicated Ombudsman office to act as an independent advocate for children and families navigating state systems, ensuring their voices are heard.
Parent Information Website & Licensing Notices
Created a public website for parents to gather information about licensed child care providers, and required that notices of licensing actions be provided to parents.
Toll-Free Consumer Hotline
Established a toll-free hotline so parents can call to access information and raise concerns about licensed child care programs across Washington State.
STARS Training Program
Helped secure funding and establish the State Training and Registry System (STARS) — a mandatory training program raising the professional quality of child care providers statewide.
Mandatory Liability Insurance
Required family day care providers to carry mandatory liability insurance, giving families financial protection and raising accountability standards.
Out-of-State Background Checks
Mandated criminal background checks for out-of-state applicants seeking licensed child care in Washington, closing a critical gap in child safety screening.
Toxic Soil Testing in Child-Use Areas (HB 1605)
Secured testing of child-use areas for soil contaminants — particularly in the Tacoma smelter area — protecting children from exposure to lead, arsenic, and other toxins.
The Jaclyn Frank Act
A landmark 2007 child safety law that prohibits the use of corded window coverings in child care settings — passed in memory of Jaclyn Frank, who died from strangulation by a window blind cord.
A Senator’s Recommendation
Washington State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles
My success in having legislation of mine (or of House companion bills) enacted into law has been directly attributable to Stu’s recognition of a need and ability to translate that into concepts for legislation. He’s also continually made himself available to testify on bills as well as to get others to do so.
A few examples of what Senator Kohl-Welles accomplished in conjunction with Stu’s support:
Still Fighting Today
Ongoing Issues We’re Tackling
- Background check clearance before childcare employment begins
- Full transparency of complaint and inspection records online
- Mandatory quality rating systems for all licensed programs
- Adequate state subsidy rates for working families
- Stronger oversight of felon employment restrictions
How You Can Help
Legislative change requires persistent voices. Every parent, family member, and community advocate who speaks up for child safety helps move policy in the right direction. Learn why advocacy matters and how to get involved.
Every Victory Was Hard-Won
Behind every law on this page are children who deserved better, and advocates who refused to stay silent. Help us keep fighting for the ones who come next.