It is a big news week in Washington, with the region’s leading early learning agencies joining forces to help kids get a good start through age eight.
On Tuesday, Thrive by Five Washington, the Department of Early Learning and the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction signed a joint agreement to develop an early learning system that spans birth to age eight.
Of course, these groups have worked together for years, but this news is another sign of Washington’s commitment to early learning during one of the worst economic climates in a generation. The Washington State Early Learning Joint Resolution guides the partnership and outlines how the three entities will work together to promote school readiness in such key areas as kindergarten readiness assessment planning, child care quality, parenting information and support, and early literacy.
First signed in 2008, the resolution has been updated to reflect new priorities, responsibilities and leadership among all three agencies.
This week’s joint announcement contains more than a few highlights, including:
- A commitment to accountability, a critical element in any government plan with such broad ambitions. (It will be interesting to see how these groups create this accountability.)
- A renewed effort to make even better parenting resources available and to recognize a parent as a child’s first and most important teacher.
- Belief in one of the keys of early learning quality, professional development.
In related news, DEL chief Bette Hyde announced her Early Learning Advisory Council will “unveil a comprehensive plan for children in our state, looking at health, safety and learning opportunities for children ages birth to 8” early next year.
This week’s news also is another step forward for the Pre-K/Third movement, which aspires to create a more seamless transition from pre-k through third grade, though this new effort also covers the first few years. (I wonder if folks working on these plans are reading “Leading for Equity: The Pursuit of Excellence in the Montgomery County Public Schools.”)
Further reading: