Public Policy

Protect Race to the Top−Early Learning Challenge Grant

Washington has been awarded one of nine Race to the Top−Early Learning Challenge Grants, where Washington State will receive up to $60 million over the course of four years! Congratulations to Department of Early Learning!

Funds will be used to enhance the professional development system, expand Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS), and take to scale our state´s quality rating and improvement system (QRIS). Washington's funding depends on successful implementation of our Race to the Top plan and with adherence to established timelines. If we change course, Washington State could risk losing some or all of the $60 million award. To protect Washington State´s federal funding, we must maintain state investments in early learning programs including:

• Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCR&R)− Current proposed cut: $1.3 million. CCR&R is the lead agency for coordinating improvement activities within the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS)
• Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS)− Our rigorous implementation plan for WaKIDS was one of the strongest points of our grant application. Any cuts to the program would delay Washington's plan to reach full implementation by the 2014-2015 school year.
• Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)− Current proposed cut to WCCC: $50 million. Cuts to WCCC or ECEAP would mean a reduction in QRIS participants and could change our implementation plan.

For more information, go to http://www.del.wa.gov/government/racetotop/Default.aspx.

Invest in Early Learning

WAEYC is hard at work in Olympia advocating for our members´ 2012 Legislative Agenda including:

• a balanced approach to solving budget challenges and protection of early learning funding,
• passage of HB 2448/SB 6449 (High-Quality Early Learning Act): Closing the Opportunity Gap Can´t Wait,
• passage of HB 2569/SB 6532 (QRIS): Access to Quality Matters, and
• passage of HB 2446/SB 6226 (12-month Working Connections Child Care authorization period): Continuity of Care Helps Children and Families.

Working Connections Child Care Available

Child care assistance is available NOW! Years of cuts and continual changes to Working Connections Child Care have contributed to the misperception that child care assistance is not available, making it harder for families to find safe and consistent care for their children. Families can find out if they are eligible by calling (877) 501-2233 or applying online at https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home.

Early Learning at the Federal Level

The Early Learning Challenge Collaborative hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill to discuss the Early Learning Challenge Grant Applications received by the federal government. Click here to watch the full briefing and to view relevant materials.