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.
Parents and caregivers face the daily challenge of how to support kids in the early years, as they become aware of racial difference, and later, as they witness or experience acts of racism or examples of structural inequality. Here are some resources that may help.
Town halls are public meetings lawmakers host in their districts to hear from constituents and share updates on their work.
Participating in a town hall is a great way to advocate for kids. It allows you to build a relationship with your legislator, learn about their priorities, and raise issues that are important to you and to kids and families.
Frequently asked questions about town hall meetings:
Child Care Aware of Washington's 2016 Data Report covers trends, child care supply, cost of care, & demand for referrals. Read the report (PDF).
Child care educators earn very low wages, child care center teachers turn over at a 43% rate, and 22% of child care businesses have closed since 2011. Without more public investment, these alarming trends will accelerate.
We call on the legislature to fund the cost of quality child care by investing $85.5 million into Working Connections Child Care center reimbursement rates. Read more here from Child Care Aware's fact sheet (PDF).
Children’s Alliance is very pleased to see a number of our priorities reflected in 2SHB 1661. This brief outlines the provisions in the legislation addressing Children’s Alliance priorities.
INVEST IN WORKING CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE
From Child Care Aware
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:
Dental therapists can make dental care accessible.
Dental therapists work as part of the dental team to provide routine and preventive care.
Dental therapists can provide care to underserved kids and families in rural, low-income, and tribal communities and communities of color across Washington. They can also bring care to more kids and parents covered by Apple Health, and to those who are uninsured.
Children in Washington need dental therapists.
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.
Fact sheet: Invest $1 Million in Reach Out and Read to provide an evidence-based early learning program to 105,000 children birth through five and their families. Download the fact sheet (PDF).
Paid family and medical leave would allow workers to take the time they need for a new child or when a serious health condition strikes. Life is unexpected, but the predictability of paid family and medical leave can help. Download the complete fact sheet (PDF).