Early Learning, A Contender In The Race To The Top Of Society And Government Priorities

I consider it an honor and privilege to serve as Senate Majority Leader in a state that has increased its commitment to early learning over the last decade.

Through the tireless education and outreach by people like Mind in the Making author, Ellen Galinsky, early learning efforts are a main contender in the race to the top of society and government priorities.

In Chapter 3, Communicating, Galinsky writes:

Think of interactions during those first months and years as forming the foundation of children’s skill in communicating. The way we talk, the expressions on our faces and in our eyes, what we look at, even our gestures are the basis upon which learning to communicate is built (113).

Galinsky makes clear, parents and primary caregivers are kids’ first and best teachers. This is absolutely the case, but sometimes we all need help to be our best. Our state has responded with policies to help parents and kids reach their brightest potential.

Quality Rating Improvement System

Galinsky highlights that quality preschools make a difference in literacy and overall child development (130). Yet child care quality varies considerably around Washington. The Washington Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is our state’s voluntary program for helping licensed child care providers offer high-quality care.

For two years, child care providers in five communities around the state participated in the development of Washington’s QRIS. An evaluation of the model showed promising results. With one-on-one coaching and funding support, the quality of care increases quickly. Based on feedback from participants and lessons learned from the field test, the Dept. of Early Learning (DEL) is now refining the QRIS standards, and will expand the voluntary program statewide in mid-2012, within available resources.

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program

Galinsky writes about the importance of helping at risk families and kids. (126) Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington’s pre-kindergarten program serving low-income and at-risk three and four year-olds and their families. The Legislature created ECEAP in 1985, to expand the benefits of the federal Head Start preschool program to more children. ECEAP focuses on preparing children for success in school and life through three interactive components — preschool education, health services coordination, and intensive family support and parent involvement.

Preschool workgroup (SB 6759)

Galinsky stresses there are many ways to encourage literacy and communication skills (132). The Legislature is currently examining opportunities and barriers to at least two options for a comprehensive voluntary program of early learning — as a part of the state definition of basic education, or as an entitlement program executed by statute or constitutional amendment.

This is our state’s chance to look at what a “voluntary program of early learning” should look like in Washington to help ensure school-readiness for all children, and how we would fund it.

In Summary

Turning to the words of Galinksy:

Children are born engaged in learning. With our help they will remain engaged. Communication skills extend their learning by giving them the tools not only to learn from others, but to share what they’ve learned with others. What better gift can we give them than the ability to send their messages into the world? (156).

I am proud of Washington’s early learning efforts. We must take the advice of Galinsky and other early learning advocates by supporting world-class, developmentally and culturally appropriate early learning opportunities for all of Washington's youngest learners and families. This includes, but is not limited to essential communication skills, so each child enters kindergarten with a solid foundation for success in school and life.

Senator Lisa Brown

3rd District Spokane