Background:

Department of Early Learning.

Created by the Legislature in 2006, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) is charged with implementing state early learning policy and coordinating, consolidating, and integrating child care and early learning programs. One of the purposes underlying the creation of the DEL is to promote linkages and alignment between early learning programs and elementary schools. The DEL has approached a number of its initiatives over the past three years with the ultimate goal of improving school readiness for Washington's children. The Director of the DEL serves on the Quality Education Council.

Thrive by Five Washington.

Thrive by Five Washington (Thrive) is a nongovernmental private-public partnership created in 2006 to mobilize public and private partners to advance development and learning of children from birth to age 5.

Early Learning Advisory Council.

In 2007 the Legislature created the Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) to advise the DEL on statewide early learning needs and progress. The ELAC was directed to work in conjunction with the DEL to develop a statewide early learning plan. The ELAC may include up to 25 members, as follows:

one representative from each of the following state agencies:
- the DEL;
- the Office of Financial Management;
- the Department of Social and Health Services;
- the Department of Health;
- the Higher Education Coordinating Board;
- the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; and
- the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction;
seven or more leaders in early childhood education, appointed by the Governor;
two members of the House of Representatives, one from each caucus;
two members of the Senate, one from each caucus;
two parents, one of whom must serve on the DEL's Parent Advisory Council;
one representative designated by sovereign tribal governments;
two representatives from Thrive; and
one representative from the Washington Federation of Independent Schools.

The ELAC members serve staggered two-year terms. Co-chairs are elected by vote, with one representing a state agency and the other representing a nongovernmental entity. The DEL provides staff support to the ELAC and members are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in carrying out their duties.

Quality Education Council.

The Quality Education Council (QEC) was created by the Legislature in 2009 to serve as the education reform implementation and oversight body. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) serves as chair of the QEC. In its January 2010 report to the Governor and the Legislature, the QEC included 13 recommendations, including a recommendation for the inclusion of an early learning program for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds within the definition of basic education.

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is the current state-funded voluntary preschool program serving children ages 3 and 4 from low-income households. Children from families with income at or below 110 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for enrollment in the ECEAP. In addition, under rules adopted by the DEL, up to 10 percent of total enrollment slots may be used to enroll children who do not qualify on the basis of family income, including children with developmental delays. Priority for enrollment is given to children from families with the lowest incomes, children in foster care, and children from families with multiple needs. Program standards for the ECEAP are developed by the DEL and include standards for curriculum, provider credentials, and family support services.

Program of Basic Education.

The 1977 Basic Education Act describes the program of basic education as:

the goal of the school system, which includes providing students the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and skills in various subjects;
the instructional program to be made available by school districts; and
the determination and distribution of state funding to support the instructional program.

Previous Legislation.

In 2009 the Legislature enacted Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2261 (ESHB 2261), which, among other reforms, declared the intent to develop a program of early learning within basic education; directed the SPI and the DEL to convene a working group to develop the basic education program of early learning; and required status reports and a final report be delivered to the QEC. This section of ESHB 2261 was vetoed by the Governor. The Governor's veto message included her commitment to "providing quality early learning programs for all" Washington's children, and requested the SPI and the Director of the DEL "to work together to bring a proposal forward that ensures all Washington children have the benefit of early childhood education." By letter, the Governor also requested Thrive be included in development of the proposal and that a final report be delivered by December 1, 2009.

The ELAC incorporated the proposal requested by the Governor in her veto message into the draft Early Learning Plan (ELP) presented to the Legislature on December 2, 2009. Among the recommendations in the current draft ELP is a recommendation to increase investments in enhanced early learning opportunities for children ages birth to grade 3, including implementation of a voluntary universal preschool program. The opportunities should be available to all who wish to access them, and they should work to close the preparation and achievement gap children are experiencing.

Summary of Bill:

A technical working group is established to develop a comprehensive plan for a voluntary program of early learning. The plan must examine the opportunities and barriers of at least two options, including a program of early learning under the program of basic education, and a program of early learning as an entitlement, either statutorily or constitutionally protected. As part of its efforts, the working group must review early learning programs in and outside of Washington, including the ECEAP, and the federal Head Start program.

The plan must address recommendations for the following elements:

eligibility criteria for enrollment;
program standards, including scope and type of services; number of hours per school year; teacher qualifications; and transportation requirements;
performance measures;
provider standards, including whether approval, certification, or licensing by the DEL will be required, and whether public, private, nonsectarian, or sectarian organizations may provide services;
governance responsibilities for the SPI and the DEL;
funding necessary to implement the program;
an implementation timeline; and
the role of the ECEAP in the new program of early learning.

By April 1, 2010, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the DEL will convene the working group, which will be overseen by the QEC. Membership of the working group will include:

one representative from each of the following:
- the DEL;
- the Attorney General's Office;
- Thrive; and
- the OSPI; and
two members of the ELAC, and an unspecified number of early learning experts, all to be appointed by the ELAC.

The working group must provide a progress report by July 1, 2010, and a final report and plan by November 1, 2010, to the ELAC and the QEC. The QEC will consult with the ELAC, and then report to the Legislature by January 1, 2011, with recommendations for a comprehensive plan for a voluntary program of early learning.

The role of the ELAC is revised so that it advises the DEL on issues leading to the building of a comprehensive system of quality early learning programs and services by:

assessing needs and the availability of services;
aligning resources;
developing plans for data collection and professional development; and
setting key performance measures.

The membership of the ELAC is limited to a maximum of 23 members. Thrive representation is reduced from two members to one, and the total number appointed by the Governor is limited to seven.