2016 Legislative Review
This past session, the Children’s Alliance fought for policy solutions rooted in our commitment to improve the lives of Washington’s children and advance racial equity, so every child has the opportunity they deserve.
Early Learning Now
Champions for Children
Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by the Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service on behalf of children.
To be honored as a Champion for Children, a state lawmaker must provide significant leadership in protecting or advancing state policies or investments that improve the well-being of children in Washington.
Learn more about Children's Alliance's criteria for selecting Champions for Children (pdf).
Tips for Advocacy during Special Session
We recently gathered our thoughts about what works to persuade lawmakers to act in kids
Why We Support the Establishment of a Department of Children, Youth, and Families
The Washington State Legislature is on the verge of taking unprecedented action on beha
Research Brief: Early Learning Improves Kindergarten Readiness for All and Dramatically Reduces Disparities for Kids of Color
We all have a stake in making sure that, from the day they’re born, kids can have the enriching experiences they need to get off to a great start in life. Research has found quality early learning can give children the tools they need to thrive academically and emotionally throughout their young lives and beyond.
How to change state services so we let kids thrive
The creation of a Department for Children, Youth and Families is a
Department of Children, Youth & Families: an Historic Opportunity to Improve Kids’ Lives
The creation of a consolidated Department of Children, Youth and Families is an historic opportunity to improve outcomes for all children, especially those who face barriers to their healthy development and learning.
We support the proposal for a Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), with the following priorities:
Expand the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program: Every Child Deserves a Great Start
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is quality preschool that’s good for kids, parents and schools.
Washington has some of the highest child-care (including preschool) costs in the nation. That means some kids, disproportionately kids in low-income families and children of color, miss out on early experiences in preschool that can help them have a great childhood and thrive in kindergarten. ECEAP expands equitable access to high-quality, culturally responsive preschool.
Our Four Priorities for a Department of Children, Youth and Families
The proposal to consolidate programs and services into a Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Washington State is a once in a generation opportunity to structure government for positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.
While there are many important aspects of this endeavor, the Children’s Alliance has identified four key areas for the focus of our advocacy. We recognize there are many issues involved and we will also play a supportive role on other issues that are deeply felt by our community.
These are our four priorities:
"We need to lean in to advocacy harder than ever"
Children’s Alliance executive director Paola Maranan delivered the following remark
What we do for kids now
This year’s election will bring immense change to our nation and our state.
Annual Meeting and Breakfast with Elected Officials
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; program 9-10:30.
This free event features:
- Light breakfast,
- A look ahead at advocacy for children in 2017,
- A conversation with Chris Reykdal, Superintendent-elect of Public Instruction;
Join Children's Alliance members for a conversation with Superintendent-elect Reykdal about ensuring all Washington kids are safe, healthy, and set up for success at school. - A conversation with state legislators.
Join with legislative guests and Children's Alliance members for a dialogue about the priorities for kids on our 2017 Legislative Agenda, and how public policy can protect children from the harm of racism and poverty, and help all kids reach their vast potential. Legislative Guests: Senator Jeannie Darneille, 27th District (D-Tacoma) Senator-elect Hans Zeiger, 25th District (R-Puyallup) Representative-elect Kristine Reeves, 30th District (D-Federal Way).
Please join us for this opportunity to come together, celebrate our work, and look ahead at the 2017 legislative session.
State Representative J.T. Wilcox honored for work to expand access to high-quality early learning
TUMWATER—Representative J.T. Wilcox (R-Yelm) was honored for his commitment to the first five years of a child’s life on Thursday, Oct. 27 , with a Crayon Award from the Early Learning Action Alliance, presented at the monthly meeting of the Thurston Early Childhood Coalition.
State Representative Bruce Chandler honored for work to expand access to high-quality early learning
"Representative Chandler understands that early learning builds strong kids and strong communities. His public service has improved opportunities for Washington’s children,” said Children's Alliance deputy director Jon Gould.
Six legislators honored for work to expand access to high-quality early learning
Six state legislators were honored for their commitment to the first five years of a child’s life on Saturday, Sept. 17 , with Crayon Awards from the Early Learning Action Alliance.
The awards were presented to Senators Joe Fain (R-47th) and Steve Litzow (R-41st) and Representatives Chad Magendanz (R-5th), Ruth Kagi (D-32nd), Eric Pettigrew (D-37th) and Tana Senn (D-41st) at Green River College by representatives of the Early Learning Action Alliance.
Media Release: State Senator Pramila Jayapal honored for expanding high-quality early learning
SEATTLE—State Senator Pramila Jayapal (D-37th) was honored for her commitment to the fi
Poverty blocks progress, though Washington’s kids gain overall
Household incomes for Washington’s poorest families have yet to recover from the 2008 r