1 Early Start Act Panel Starting Strong Institute: August 4 th, 2015 Check out this presentation and more information about the Early Start Act on DEL’s Facebook page and on DEL’s Early Start Act web pages ( DEL’s Facebook pageDEL’s Early Start Act web pages

2 The Early Start Act was approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Inslee on June 30, This historic legislation invests into expanding high quality early learning for Washington’s children and families, particularly in our most diverse and vulnerable communities. The Early Start Act dedicates resources to support high quality early earning services through Early Achievers and ensures that the child care providers, especially those who serve low income families, receive all needed help to sustain high quality programming.

3 Early Start Act "I want to congratulate Gov. Jay Inslee, educators and other leaders in Washington State on the Early Start Act, which will improve early learning opportunities for over 48,000 children, building on the successes the state's Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant. It's a huge step toward a vision for a comprehensive early learning system that will make Washington a leader in doing the right thing for our youngest children. " U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan

4 Early Start Act, Big Wins Collaboration with Tribal and local governments Authorization of 12 months eligibility Early Achievers, elimination of participation barriers Professional Development Pathway Alignment of Standards: Licensing, Early Achievers & ECEAP Contracted Slots Pathway for home providers to administer ECEAP Alignment of national accreditation and Early Achievers standards

5 Early Start Act Reward quality and create incentives for providers to participate in a quality rating and improvement system that will also provide valuable information to parents regarding the quality of care available in their communities Inextricably Intertwined: High Supports with High Expectations

6 Early Start Act, Ongoing Resources & Supports Alignment of the National Accreditation Standards and Early Achievers Early Achievers Needs-based Grants Early Achievers Quality Improvement Awards Extension Time for Early Achiever Participants Ongoing Early Achiever Technical Assistance Professional Development Pathway for Early Achievers Participants to Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalency... Professional Development Pathway to Address Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Scholarships and Grants Statewide Substitute Pool for Early Achievers Participants Tiered Subsidy Reimbursement and MORE…

7 Building Early Learning in Washington Phase I Creating the Environment Phase II Building the Infrastructure Phase III Attaining Impact Creation of DEL and Thrive Washington ELAC Early Learning Plan Early Learning Partnership Full Day Kindergarten Starting Strong Seeds Pilot Home Visiting Services EL Guidelines Children’s Trust/Strengthening Families WaKIDS Early Achievers Professional Development Systems Data System ECEAP Entitlement Early Learning Regional Coalitions Reduced primary class size Early Start Act Advance Quality in all programs Scale to more children; prioritize high-needs children Align and integrate across programs and funding streams Maximize funding opportunities Continue focus on the most vulnerable children and families 2005 – Early Start Act

8 Prioritizing to Maximize Impact

9 High-quality mixed-delivery child care system that equitably works for ALL children Check out this presentation and more information about the Early Start Act on DEL’s Facebook page and on DEL’s Early Start Act web pages ( DEL’s Facebook pageDEL’s Early Start Act web pages