The 2020 legislative session ended just as the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting communities across the state. Despite the pandemic’s challenges (see “Budget Cuts and Vetoes” below), the legislature took some good steps forward for kids and families.
We'd like to thank all of the advocates and Children's Alliance members who spoke up for our communities. When we work together, we can make a real difference!
Washington’s children and economy are threatened because the COVID-19 pandemic has put our early learning infrastructure at risk. This toolkit includes actions to take, summaries of the impacts of COVID-19 on child care, and stories from parents and caregivers across Washington state. Download pdf.
A two-page overview of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Washington's early learning system and child care providers. Download pdf.
A full 6 page brief on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and child care providers, and recommendations to aid recovery. Download pdf.
A letter to legislators from ELAA highlighting the impacts of COVID-19 on families and child care providers, and explaining what is needed for recovery. Download pdf.
Washington’s economy and workforce cannot recover without child care. We must support our families in need, protect our frontline workers, and invest in the child care system which has long been the most underfunded component of our state’s education system. This document is a collection of stories from Washington MomsRising members sharing their struggles of accessing or providing child care during COVID-19.
Letters to the editor are important tools for advocates like you. They influence the press’s coverage of issues facing Washington’s kids and families; legislators read them; and they raise public awareness among fellow readers in your area. Use this guide to help you compose a letter and find publications to send it to.
A review of legislative progress for early learning in the 2020 session and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic upon the state budget.
A letter from the Early Learning Action Alliance to Governor Inslee and Secretary Hunter to request financial aid and support for the early learning and child care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A letter from members of the Washington state legislature to the Washington congressional delegation to request significant investments in child care in the COVID-19 economic relief package.
A letter supported by the ELAA coalition, and circulated by our colleagues in states across the country, urging significant investments in our child care industry in the third COVID-19 economic relief package.
In the midst of the 2020 legislative session, your legislators are back home and they want to hear from YOU. Now’s your chance to speak up for kids and families. Find a town hall near you.