The first big moment for early learning in this short session was today, January 19th, at 1:30pm. The House Committee on Early Learning & Children’s Services held a public Hearing on HB 2731 -”Creating an early learning program for educationally at-risk children.” The Hearing also included HB 2431 and HB 2867, both related to Early Learning.
After years of statewide effort there is consensus among policy makers and service providers that quality early learning and care are critical to the success of all children. The only proven way to reduce the achievement gap, reduce dropouts, increase the effectiveness of our K-12 system and prepare kids for life is quality early childhood education and care.
HB 2731 looks to implement and fund the programs most agree are critical to having a successful system in this state. The policies proposed in 2731 were developed over many years, most recently beginning with Washington Learns, the Basic Education Task Force followed by the Department of Early Learning Drafting Team. All of these task forces reached a consensus that in order to make quality early learning and care a reality, we need to include a program of early learning within the state’s definition of Basic Education so it is protected from whims in Olympia.
The hearing room was packed with over 100 people attending, the vast majority of which are here to support 2731. Folks from law enforcement, librarians, parents, and child advocates from all over the state were represented–a very diverse and forceful group in support of our youngest learners. Moms Rising, PTA, Stand for Children and LEV all worked to turnout support.
The politics behind the scenes on early learning are complicated and intense. The potential for compromise is high, but in a short session, with intense pressure on the budget, moves toward compromise need to happen sooner rather than later. Support for 2731 clearly established some key elements of the future compromise. The other bills discussed at the hearing, HB 2431 and HB 2867, will provide certain elements to the (hopefully) eventual compromise.
The testimony was well received, passionate and consistent. As one put it, “the evidence is clear and it is time for the state to put the money and emphasis where it makes the most difference–in early learning–and protect those resources in the long term by making it part of the definition of Basic Education. ” Jon Gould, from the Children’s Alliance, said, “the time for pondering and planning is over, it is time to move to implementation.”
We will keep you posted on developments related to early learning and call for your support at the critical times as the legislative session continues.
