The Joint Resolution and Updates

The Partnership is focused on specific goals and priorities laid out in the resolution. DEL, OSPI and Thrive are assigned lead or co-lead responsibility for different priorities and goals (see Joint Resolution Accountability Framework for these assignments and key actions.)

Specific priorities and goals within the Partnership include:

  • Improving the safety and well-being of children in child care and early education programs.
  • Making parenting information and support readily available.
  • Developing and implementing a voluntary quality rating and improvement system (QRIS).
  • Developing and implementing a kindergarten readiness assessment process.
  • Phasing in enhanced early learning options, such as infant/toddler services, pre-K, and full-day kindergarten, for all children.
  • Continuing to build public-private early learning partnerships.
  • Exploring funding opportunities to promote creativity to advance early learning goals and priorities.
  • Promoting early literacy programs and strategies to ensure all children read at grade level by third grade.
  • Reviewing, revising and implementing the Washington State Early Learning and Development Benchmarks.
  • Developing a comprehensive statewide Early Learning Plan and response to the Governor’s request for a 2010 legislative proposal.

At the heart of this effort is a shared understanding that “school readiness” means:

Ready children are health and socially, emotionally, and cognitively prepared for success in school and life.

Ready schools are prepared to meet the individual needs of the diverse children who enter kindergarten.

Ready parents and families have the information and resources needed to be their children’s first and most important teachers.

Ready early learning professionals and communities have the information and resources needed to support parents, children, and schools.

Updates on Partnership Work

The leaders of DEL, OSPI and Thrive have committed to meeting quarterly to assess progress on the priorities and goals in the
Early Learning Partnership Resolution. You will find quarterly progress reports here.