(1) An early learning provider must have and follow written policies for early learning program staff. Staff policies must include those listed in subsections (2) and (3) of this section and must be reviewed and approved by the department prior to issuing a provider's initial license. Providers must notify the department when substantial changes are made.

(2) Early learning program staff policies must include, but are not limited to:

(a) All of the information in the parent or guardian handbook except fees;

(b) Job descriptions, pay dates, and benefits;

(c) Professional development expectations and plans;

(d) Expectations for attendance and conduct;

(e) Early learning program staff responsibilities for:

(i) Child supervision requirements, including preventing children's access to unlicensed space;

(ii) Child growth and development;

(iii) Developmentally appropriate curriculum;

(iv) Teacher-child interaction;

(v) Child protection, guidance, and discipline techniques;

(vi) Safe sleep practices, if applicable;

(vii) Food service practices;

(viii) Off-site field trips, if applicable;

(ix) Transporting children, if applicable;

(x) Health, safety, and sanitization procedures;

(xi) Medication management procedures;

(xii) Medical emergencies, fire, disaster evacuation and emergency preparedness plans;

(xiii) Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, per RCW 26.44.020 and 26.44.030 and all other reporting requirements;

(xiv) Implementation of child's individual health care or special needs plan;

(xv) Following nonsmoking, vaping, alcohol and drug regulations;

(xvi) Overnight care, if applicable;

(xvii) Religious, equity and cultural responsiveness;

(xviii) Nondiscrimination;

(xviv) Planned daily activities and routines.

(f) Staff responsibilities if the family home licensee, center director, assistant director, or program supervisor is absent from the early learning program;

(g) A plan that includes how both administrative and child caretaking duties are met when a job requires such dual responsibilities; and

(h) Observation, evaluation, and feedback policies.

(3) An early learning provider must have and follow written policies requiring staff working, transitioning, or covering breaks with the same classroom or group of children to share applicable information with each other on a daily basis regarding:

(a) A child's health needs, allergies and medication;

(b) Any change in a child's daily schedule;

(c) Significant educational or developmental information;

(d) Any communications from the family; and

(e) Information to be shared with the family.

(4) An early learning provider must develop, deliver, and document the delivery of early learning staff training specific to the early learning program and premises.

(a) Training topics must include:

(i) Staff policies listed in subsections (2) and (3) of this section;

(ii) Chapter 43.216 RCW; and

(iii) Chapters 110-300 and 110-06 WAC.

(b) Training must be updated with changes in program policies and state or federal regulations.