Strengthening Families Through Early Care & Education Washington

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is a partner in the Strengthening Families Through Early Care & Education Washington initiative. This initiative, based on the work of the Center for the Study of Social Policy and part of a national Strengthening Families effort, recognizes that early childhood professionals play an important role in supporting and strengthening families with young children. The Strengthening Families initiative connects child care centers, parents and communities with resources to ensure the best outcomes for children at risk of child abuse or neglect.

Other partners in this work include:

  • The Washington Council to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect
  • The Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network
  • The Washington State Department of Health
  • The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
  • Foundation for Early Learning
  • The Washington Association for the Education of Young Children

Ten pilot communities have worked on the Strengthening Families approach since 2006. These pilot sites are licensed child care centers, state or federally funded preschool programs (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) or Head Start) and a family child care home.

In 2008, DEL has contributed funding to support the involvement of the parent/provider teams, project coordination and report development. In 2007, DEL funded the design and distribution of Strengthening Families posters to licensed child care, Head Start and ECEAP sites. DEL is exploring ways to expand its work on this partnership.

Visit www.strengtheningfamilies.wa.gov to learn more..