Resource Center

One in 17 children under 6 in WA are homeless. One hundred sixty four homeless kids are on the ECEAP waitlist. Download the complete fact sheet (PDF). 

Workforce study: Washington median annual workforce earnings across prekindergarten and elementary school (PDF).

The mission of the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program is to work with children and families to ensure that they are ready to succeed and thrive in school and life. Since the program is not fully funded, ECEAP prioritizes children at highest risk of school failure, using income and risk factors that have been linked by research to school performance. Download complete fact sheet (PDF).

Our economy requires that 80% of workers obtain post high school education of some kind. This leads to large
gaps in supply of qualified workers. Research shows high quality pre-k improves graduation rates, college
attendance, and the ‘soft skills’ that employers value. Download complete fact sheet (PDF).

Study after study has shown that when kids start kindergarten behind, they stay behind. That’s why the legislature has committed to serving all eligible children who want ECEAP by 2020. Download the complete fact sheet (PDF).

ELAA’s support list is distinct from the coalition’s legislative agenda. This is a list of items that we endorse, but do not lead advocacy or policy on. ELAA members will be notified when there are critical opportunities to support advancement of these issues. View our support list (PDF).

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Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school and in life, regardless of their race, ethnicity, geography, ability, or family economics. High-quality early learning is a strategy proven to give kids what they need to thrive. Investing in a great start for children yields returns for all of us: more successful schools, stronger families, and more self-reliant adults prepared to contribute to a robust economy.

FACT: Dental therapists will work within a narrowly defined scope of practice to provide important and needed routine and preventive care to Washingtonians who currently can’t get it.

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:

The Children’s Alliance creates our annual Legislative Agenda with the aid of a racial equity policy analysis, so that our efforts address disparities facing children and families in communities of color.

Early Learning

Quality preschool helps kids to reach their full potential for success in school and in life. Expand access to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) by increasing enrollment of currently eligible children and increasing funding to support and retain high quality, diverse teachers.

The following positions on statewide ballot measures for the 2016 general election have been taken by the Children’s Alliance.

Initiative 732: NO

While designed to fight climate change, Initiative 732 threatens children in two ways. First, its tax breaks are insufficient to counter its full costs to low-income families, who are disproportionately families of color. Second, it’s predicted to worsen the state’s budget shortfall—jeopardizing programs and services kids need to thrive.