Success for school, success for life: Kauffman early childhood bills pass House

OLYMPIA – The House of Representatives today passed two bills sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, to help more children get a head start in life.

Senate Bill 5828 would: create an Early Learning Advisory Council to set statewide strategy for improving early learning; create a quality rating system for early learning programs; and develop public-private partnerships to create new early learning programs.

“We know children who participate in early education are more likely to stay in school, graduate and become productive members of society,” said Kauffman. “This bill would give parents the opportunity to get their child’s education off to a good start, and make informed decisions when choosing an early learning program for their child.”

SB 5828 implements the early learning recommendations of Washington Learns, an 18-month study of our state’s public education system; it passed the House with 96 votes.

Kauffman also sponsored SB 5830 to create a voluntary home visitation program for at-risk families, aimed at improving parenting skills and school-readiness. Approved by 95 representatives, this bill would help provide early detection of developmental delays, child abuse or health problems.

“Children need a stable home environment to be prepared for school, and succeed after graduation,” said Kauffman. “This bill allows at-risk families to get help at home when they need it, and gives children the opportunity to start school on the right foot.”

If House amendments are approved by the Senate, both bills will head to the governor, who will consider signing them into law.

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