Kauffman’s early learning bill wins Senate committee approval

OLYMPIA – Freshman Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, scored a legislative victory for Washington kids today when the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee approved Senate Bill 5828.

SB 5828 would implement the early learning recommendations of Washington Learns, the committee chaired by Gov. Chris Gregoire to study and recommend ideas for improving Washington’s public education system.

“Early learning is incredibly important, because it creates a foundation for lifelong learning. Studies have shown that children who participate in early learning programs are more likely to stay in school, stay out of trouble and go on to pursue higher education,” said Kauffman.

SB 5828 would establish an early learning advisory council, comprised of recognized leaders and experts in early education issues, to help the Department of Early Learning (DEL) develop a statewide plan for giving more children the opportunity to participate in early learning programs. Public-private partnerships would be created to help enhance parent education and support efforts, and DEL would be required to establish a five-star rating system for child care providers, so parents have more information about the quality of early learning programs.

“This bill emphasizes the importance of parents as a child’s first teacher, by giving parents more information and empowering them to find child care programs with an educational component,” said Kauffman.

SB 5828 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.

Return to Sen. Kauffman's home page