Why has Washington committed to expanding our nationally respected Pre-K program? Because decades of research, including our own Washington State Institute for Public Policy, has shown that it closes race and income gaps, reduces costs in K-12, and puts children on the path to becoming healthy and self-sufficient adults that can strengthen our economy. Download the complete fact sheet (PDF).
Increased investments in our state’s early learning system result in an important increase in quality requirements that support better child development and outcomes statewide. (Download the full PDF.)
National research shows sizable short and long term outcomes of high quality preschool. ECEAP serves our state’s most at-risk children – families below 110% of the federal poverty line, homeless,children with disabilities, and involvement in the child welfare system. ECEAP staff work with children in the classroom to get them school-ready, and work with parents to ensure the child’s health, strengthen parenting skills, and help families to do what is needed to move out of poverty and support their child’s health and education. The results are impressive, and they last.
Workforce study: Washington median annual workforce earnings across prekindergarten and elementary school (PDF).
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).
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: