News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) reports that Washington state is faltering in the effort to deliver high-quality preschool education to children in need. Their report, The State of Preschool 2011, shows little improvement in access to preschool over the past decade. With just 8% of 4-year-olds enrolled in pre-k, Washington ranks 31st out […]
From the Washington News Service: SPOKANE, Wash. – Washington spends more than $800 million a year on corrections, and advocates for children believe there’s a way to reduce that number – by funding early learning programs. On Thursday, the Spokane police chief, sheriff and prosecuting attorney agreed. They cite a Michigan study that found at-risk […]
By Chris Thomas, Public News Service SEATTLE – Although the economic crisis has taken its toll on many state-funded services nationwide, most pre-kindergarten (pre-k) programs have been spared, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States. In Washington State, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) has sustained only minor […]
We just got the big exciting news: Next Monday afternoon, Governor Gregoire will be “taking action” on two important early learning bills we recently told you about. HB 2731 and SB 6759. HB 2867, which deals with our youngest learners (birth to age 3), is also scheduled for action. (shhhhh. be wery wery quiet. “taking […]
