News Room

Kindergarten readiness Web site available for back-to-school preparation 08/26/08
OLYMPIA – The Department of Early Learning (DEL) has created a new kindergarten readiness Web site section for parents... Read More >
DEL funds 12 community projects to provide parent education, support 08/25/08
OLYMPIA – To support parents as their children’s first and most important teachers, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) is funding 12 projects around the state that reach foster parents, young parents, grandparents raising grandchildren and others to support healthy child development. This is the second time DEL has awarded funding to community parent education and support projects... Read More >
Washington parents know quality child care, new survey shows 07/29/08
OLYMPIA – The Department of Early Learning (DEL) today issued the results of a statewide survey that offers an unprecedented look at what Washington parents want and need when making early learning decisions for their families. The survey of more than 900 Washington parents of children ages birth through 5 is among the most comprehensive surveys of its kind conducted in the nation... Read More >
DEL issues new guide for parents on choosing child care 07/23/08
OLYMPIA – Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions many parents make. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) today issued a new guide to help parents find the right child care arrangement for their families... Read More >
State-funded preschool program sees historic expansion - More than 1,000 additional Washington families to enroll in 2008 05/15/08
OLYMPIA – After the first open, competitive bidding process in Washington’s state-funded preschool program in nearly two decades, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) has awarded 1,145 new enrollment slots for the 2008-2009 school year... Read More >
DEL launches updated Licensed Child Care Information System 04/30/08
OLYMPIA – The Department of Early Learning (DEL) today launched an updated, more comprehensive online tool for parents and others seeking information about Washington’s 7,400 licensed child care providers.... Read More >
Governor Gregoire declares May 9 child care provider appreciation day 04/24/08
OLYMPIA – To honor the work done by Washington State’s more than 7,400 licensed child care providers, Governor Chris Gregoire has proclaimed May 9, 2008, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in our state.... Read More >
DEL, children’s museums partner to help more children learn through play 04/16/08
OLYMPIA – Nearly a million children and adults visit Washington’s children’s museums each year to experience the joy of learning through play: Splashing in a water table; sorting vegetables in a make-believe farmer’s market; and learning about science, art, language, health, and other cultures while having fun... Read More >
Three organizations join forces, commit to improve early learning for children statewide 04/09/08
OLYMPIA — Leaders of the Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and Thrive by Five Washington today affirmed their partnership in improving early learning opportunities for all Washington children, and helping them find success in school and in life... Read More >
Department of Early Learning launches new Web site 04/02/08
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL) today launched its new Web site, featuring more information on topics including child development, licensed child care and early learning partnerships around the state... Read More >
Washington’s state-funded preschool program makes strides in quality 03/19/08
OLYMPIA – Washington’s state-funded preschool has made significant improvements in the quality of programs provided to children and families, meeting nine out of 10 quality standard benchmarks as designated by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)... Read More >
Pierce County joins DEL pilot sites for QRIS 01/14/08
OLYMPIA – The Department of Early Learning (DEL) today announced it is adding a sixth pilot site to its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Pierce County will join the first phase of the QRIS pilot project as a privately funded site... Read More >
Public wants to do more to make Washington child-friendly state, poll shows 01/--/08
OLYMPIA – What have you done to help a child today? It’s a question we at the Department of Early Learning (DEL) ask ourselves every day to remind us why we’re here: to help Washington children realize their full potential... Read More >
DEL, WSU support increased literacy among Latino child care providers 01/03/08
KENNEWICK — More than 200 Spanish-speaking licensed home child care providers care for about 1,800 children in the Tri-Cities, many with limited literacy skills in either Spanish or English... Read More >
Resources for parents and child care providers in the wake of recent storms 12/13/07
OLYMPIA – The recent storms produced heavy rains, flooding, landslides, high winds and major road closures and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, public utilities, public facilities, and infrastructure in many parts of our state. As many of Washington’s communities move from responding to recovery, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) wants to ensure parents, child care providers and the citizens of Washington are aware of some resources... Read More >
DEL issues licensed child care report 12/13/07
OLYMPIA – The Department of Early Learning's 2006 Licensed Child Care Report is now available. The report includes information from a 2006 survey of licensed child care providers, including the numbers of children in care... Read More >
DEL funds 22 community projects to provide parent education, support 12/03/07
OLYMPIA – After receiving more than 80 creative and innovative proposals, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) has selected 22 projects in 17 counties to provide funding for culturally relevant, innovative services supporting underserved parents in healthy family development and early learning... Read More >