SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8660

By Senators Brown, Wood, Patterson, McAuliffe, Swanson, Kohl, Zarelli, Rossi and Goings

     WHEREAS, April 13-19 marks the Week of the Young Child, established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children; and

     WHEREAS, This is a time to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to support the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs; and

     WHEREAS, The early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life; and

     WHEREAS, A child=s first three years are vital in shaping learning and development and, deprived of a healthy, stimulating environment, a child=s brain suffers; and

     WHEREAS, One out of every 10 children three years old and younger lives in Aextreme@ poverty and face major risk factors, including inadequate health care, substandard child care and education, and insufficient attention by parents because of workplace or other pressures; and

     WHEREAS, This week can bring awareness to how we ‑‑ as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation ‑‑ can better meet the needs of all young children and their families;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate make every effort to acknowledge the importance of a child=s early years as the very best learning years for all children; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.