Research has found that that an early learning is essential for developing lifelong learning patterns. We know that high-quality early learning programs promote positive outcomes for children in school and in life and have a proven return on investment. Unfortunately, many families throughout our state do not have access to these programs that help young children start kindergarten school-ready. Investing in early learning programs means investing in the success of each child, and also in the future of our communities.

Washington Overview

There are just under 400,000 children under age five in Washington. Within this group, forty-two percent are low-income and thirty-six percent have been exposed to at least one environmental factor that puts them at risk (poverty, single or no parent, parent unemployment, parent with no high school degree, no parent fluent in English, etc). Research shows a direct correlation between a child's early success in school and whether or not they have risk factors in their lives.

Child Care Options

There are three types of child care options available to parents: public child care, private care and license exempt providers including family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care. Parents in Washington have many options for child care. However, access to affordable, high-quality child care is a serious concern.

Public child care consists of:

• Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP): Comprehensive state preschool program for families at 110% of federal poverty level ($22,715 for a family of four).
• Head Start Programs: Comprehensive federal early education and family assistance services for families at 100% of federal poverty level ($20,650 for a family of four).
• Working Connections to Child Care: Child care program that is part of WorkFirst, a comprehensive welfare program. Serving families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($41,300 for a family of four).

Because there are so many different options, parents typically utilize more than one form. Overall, FFN care is the most prevalent for all children. Of the children who qualify for subsidized care, 20 percent are cared for by FFN providers. As the chart below shows, for most age groups, twice as many children are in FFN care than in all other types of care combined.

Early learning programs show enormous potential. Understanding the tremendous impact and return on investment is the first step to compelling policy makers and stakeholders to invest in the needs our youngest learners.