Though it’s less than a year old, the 2021 Fair Start for Kids Act is already lowering the high cost of quality child care for families across Washington state. Despite this progress, many of our families, businesses, and essential early childhood professionals are still struggling.
We believe in the potential of every child. But all too often, poverty, racism and the pandemic are putting opportunity out of reach.
Our legislative agenda seeks to protect kids, remove barriers and create pathways to success—so that Washington’s children and families stay strong, no matter what challenges we face.
Protect, adopt and sustainably fund access to high quality, culturally relevant early learning. Ensure the robust implementation of the 2021 Fair Start for Kids Act.
Our 2021 Annual Report includes a recap of our legislative victories and a financial summary. Download the Annual Report (pdf)
This brief is a follow up to our 2020 product, “What Washington’s kids need to weather the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.” Recent U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse data and stories from community members across the state show how the pandemic continues to affect kids and families in the areas of housing, nutrition, health care, and education.
Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by Children’s Alliance for their work to further our annual legislative agenda. Each of the following legislators provided significant leadership during the 2021 legislative session in advancing state policies or investments to improve the well-being of children in Washington.
Taking place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 legislative session was like no other. While conducting the session remotely presented many challenges, it also made participation in the legislative process more accessible than ever before. Advocates from across the state were able to make their voices heard by signing in to support bills or testifying directly from their homes.
There are three options for giving your input on a bill at Washington's 2021 legislative session: (1) Note you position for the record, (2) submit written testimony, or (3) testify live at a hearing. View or download our pdf for more details.
Washington's 2021 legislative session will be mostly remote, making it more accessible than ever for advocates from across the state to make our voices heard. View or download our pdf to find out how you can get involved.
This report lays out a series of recommendations for rebuilding an economy that works for all Washingtonians. Download pdf.
This document provides updated data on the Home Visiting Service Account funded home visiting programs, the shift to virtual visits with enrolled families, and highlights how home visiting will continue to support families through recovery. Download pdf.
Home visiting is a voluntary, proven program where trained home visitors and parents work together to strengthen and support families in the child’s first years of life. This one pager gives an overview of the program in Washington state. Download pdf.
