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Early Learning Proposals in Washington State (PDF)
By Liv Finne
December 2007

Summary: This study identifies and illustrates public policies to help insure that all young children in Washington have the opportunity to reach their full learning potential. It examines the role of a close relationship with parents in promoting proper brain development in young children. The study reviews research and seeks to understand the kinds of early learning care that are best for the mental, social, and educational development of young children. Specifically, it explores the gradual fall-off of any gains children receive from State intervention in the early learning process, by which the educational benefits of these programs fade-out over time. The following eight practical policy recommendations are described for improving early learning outcomes in Washington: (1) support parents and young children, (2) encourage voluntary participation, (3) target public assistance, (4) respect parental choice, (5) allow education tax credits, (6) build on innovation in the private market, (7) allow voluntary professional memberships, and (8) create a quality rating system. Policymakers should focus on research findings and use policy tools to encourage the nurturing relationship between parents and young children.

Index Terms: Early Childhood Intervention, State Initiatives, State Legislation, Early Learning Guidelines, Family Involvement, Family Role, Washington

Publisher: Washington Policy Center

Publication Type: Reports (Descriptive)

Pages: 26 pages
Language: English
URL: http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/Education/EarlyLearningText.pdf

Availability
Washington Policy Center
Po Box 3643
Seattle, Washington 98124-3643
206-937-9691
wpc@washingtonpolicy.org
http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/

 
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