Start Early Washington

Would you like to follow early learning #policy in #Washington state? Our weekly newsletter provides timely updates straight from Olympia during the legislative session. bit.ly/3E2agjV

A strong early learning system depends on a supported and skilled workforce. Our home visiting core competencies are here as a guide to support the development of the field and strengthen the workforce! Download our core competencies: tinyurl.com/2uzdm7m3

The stats are unacceptable when Black and Indigenous women are 3-5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. But we can do better by prioritizing funding for home visiting programs which play a crucial role in addressing pregnancy and postpartum needs.

Celebrating World Doula Week by uplifting the people who helped shape a movement grounded in care and advocacy. Read about Start Early WA's own doula pioneer Sheila Ater Capestany, whose early work helped define what doula support could be. Learn more: tinyurl.com/4w4njvmc

Enjoyed reading our weekly notes on the 2026 #waleg session? Don't miss out on important post-session updates, sign up now and receive the latest early learning news in our Notes From Olympia newsletter: tinyurl.com/2uzdm7m3

Are you a new or experienced home visiting staff that is new to using the PICCOLO screening tool in your program? Join our virtual training, The PICCOLO in Practice, for three sessions starting March 25, 1-3 pm PT. Funded by @waDCYF. Register now: tinyurl.com/5rmvnjta

The 2026 #waleg session is a wrap! After weeks of waiting the final budget has been released, and we have a summary on all the early learning budget details. Read our recap of what went down during the final week: tinyurl.com/dc7x73h4

This Women's History Month we're proud to feature women-led organizations like the Bamford Foundation! Since 1990 the foundation's approach has been built on listening to families and community organizations. Learn more about our partner: tinyurl.com/5b93t58s

It's the final countdown with 1 week left of the #waleg session! We're keeping up with early learning budget amendments as the final budget is on the way. A lot can happen in the final days of session and we'll capture it all! Explore more on week 8: tinyurl.com/4bk38xpf

In honor of Women's History Month, we're sharing 10 books from our #ECE experts to read with your families about strong, incredible women from around the world! Empower your young learners with these enriching stories showing that representation matters: tinyurl.com/yhw35wef

House & Senate budgets are out! We've got you covered with our analysis on everything early learning & a comparison of the proposed changes to Working Connections Child Care! Special thanks to our partners for their feedback. Get our week 7 #waleg updates: tinyurl.com/3j5fjnm4

This Black History Month, we're celebrating the power of reading together and the role it plays in shaping who children become. Dive into our reading list curated by @ParentChildPlus to help nurture identity, resilience, and belonging with your children: tinyurl.com/52vn9fvu

Sunshine is returning to the Capitol Campus Pollinator Garden and Spring is just ahead! And speaking of a sunnier outlook, we have an improved revenue forecast and a special edition of notes coming soon. Read all about #waleg week 6: tinyurl.com/bdhj5wwa

We are back with our Communities of Practice for home visitors and supervisors! Discover how we support home visiting programs by providing peer learning opportunities that create space for people to connect and build knowledge together: tinyurl.com/bd4zu3hw

Wonder what it's like inside the Capitol Dome? We got a peek inside from the @WAHouseDems, and summarized the early learning caseload forecasts. Catch up on all the inside info and latest Olympia updates now: tinyurl.com/yc87ttjs

Same theme, new year as child care providers are asked to maintain support with limited resources. Need help navigating #ECE changes from last legislative session? Check out our policy resources, designed to help you advocate for your program's support: tinyurl.com/2s4xabhb

Potato Day brought a little joy to Olympia this week! Then back to the grind with the first cutoff date for bills and a look at upcoming town halls as legislators prepare for hometown feedback. Find your legislative district town hall and more updates: tinyurl.com/5axf7tcb

2026 marks 100 years honoring Black History Month, a time to remember, teach, celebrate, and pass on the stories of Black Americans. Explore book recommendations from our #ECE experts to share Black stories with your children this month: tinyurl.com/37v32xr6

The first cutoff date for bills is approaching rapidly, and things can change on a dime! Catch up on the latest bills and what's at stake for children and families as these pieces of legislation move through session. Read the highlights on #waleg Week 3: tinyurl.com/498ky8fd

In the last year we reached 451 professionals across 76 programs statewide, helping ensure that effective, evidence-informed practices are accessible and sustainable in communities across Washington. Learn how we continue to create community impact: tinyurl.com/y9v4chen

As William H. Gates Sr. said, "The first five years have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out." Why we must continue to stand with children, families, and providers to advocate for investments that recognize #childcare funding as essential.