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     WHEREAS, The legislature finds that the early years of a child's life are critical to the child's healthy brain development and the quality of caregiving during those early years can significantly impact the child's intellectual and emotional growth and social adjustment; and
     WHEREAS, The legislature further finds that early learning programs that are responsive to family economic necessities and changing work force dynamics, yet also strive to preserve family stability and personal responsibility will best support families in preparing for and maintaining children's success in school and life; and
     WHEREAS, It is therefore the purpose of this concurrent resolution to initiate a process to develop goals for early learning and child care programs throughout the state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, the Senate concurring, That:
     (1) There is established an early learning legislative work group to make recommendations for developing specific goals for early learning programs in the state; and
     (2) Members of the work group shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate. Membership of the work group shall consist of members of the house children and family services committee, education committee, and appropriations committee and the senate children and family services and corrections committee, education committee, and ways and means committee. Cochairs of the work group shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate; and
     (3) The work group shall:
     (a) Define legislative expectations and provide policy direction for quality early learning programs;
     (b) Identify the most efficient ways to improve the administration and fiscal management of quality early learning programs in the state;
     (c) Consider licensing requirements for preschools and kindergartens in the state; and
     (d) Seek involvement from families, community groups, educators, and state agencies involved with early learning programs throughout the state; and
     (4) The work group shall use legislative facilities and staff from the office of program research and senate committee services; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the work group shall report its recommendations to the legislature by January 10, 2005.