I have been a teacher with the ECEAP program for almost 7 years now. I have worked in many Early Learning programs that provide a head start on learning but ECEAP truly provides a start for the whole family. We are truly making a difference so many ways.

Not only are the children having something consistant going on in their lives every day but the parents are getting their GED, taking ESL classes, asking for help in job searching and attending parenting classes to learn parenting skills.

Vicky McIntyre gave moving testimony on the first day of the 2009 legislative session. Vicky and thousands of others took action to protect Apple Health Coverage for Kids. It worked and coverage was restored. Watch Vicky's testimony.

My name is Bhuvane, and I live in Bellevue. I have a two year old who loves interacting with other kids in a fun environment. She has got some friends and is learning to enjoy their company and share with them while enjoying stories. If funding for Play and Learn is cut, we will miss the learning our kids get. It’s difficult to find a place where kids can play

Submitted by Kathy Bernier, Spokane - We are a family of five. Andy and I are full time working parents. We are struggling to make ends meet on our very middle income. We care and love three very diverse children.

Submitted by Jere VanMeter, LMFT, Coordinator, Parents as Teachers of Kittitas County, Ellensburg, WA - 
 
I came here several years ago from Los Angeles where they had roughly 50,000 children in the foster care system. This was heartbreaking at best!

Submitted by anonymous - Life at home was too hard for the children. My children are 10, 7 and 4. They had to hear their father and I argue relentlessly. School was their only escape.

Submitted by Lynne Jasin - My son recently was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disorder, making it hard for him to learn and behave correctly in social situations. He now attends special education pre-school so that he may develop the skills needed to enter kindergarten and beyond. without these classes my son would be far behind other children his age his whole life, both mentally and socially. please, i implore you to NOT cut funding for my son and other children like him.

Submitted by Mary Schilling - Our community is receiving State sponsored 21st Century after school money. This support is vital to the youth of our community. We live in a very challenging region (remote, lack of services, low tax base due to Federally owned land, high poverty level).

Submitted by Heather Gerard, Camano Island - I am currently a WWU Human Services Student and a mother of 2 who is struggling as I move off of state assistance.

My oldest daughter Jessy attended the Skagit/ Island head Start Program in Concrete, WA where she and I both found our passions, hers in learning and attending school, and mine in Family Support.