Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Update | May 2014

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Dear Washington early learning leaders,

Schools around the state are beginning their graduation ceremonies, and it’s a time of celebration for many students and families that have attained this great achievement. For those of us who work in early learning, it’s a time to reflect on the class of 2027: That’s the year that the preschool graduates of 2014 will be graduating from high school.   Research clearly demonstrates that children that have access to high-quality early learning opportunities are more likely to graduate from high school, less likely to be held back a grade, and less likely to be placed in special education. This year, when you hear "Pomp and Circumstance" play, think about today’s graduates and all of the future graduates who are benefiting from Washington’s commitment to early learning.

Preschool Expansion Updates

Applications for preschool expansion slots were due on Monday, May 19, and the Department of Early Learning received a tremendous response! The Legislature has provided funding for an additional 1,350 ECEAP slots for the upcoming 2014-15 school year. DEL received 35 applications requesting 3,110 slots. Of the applications for expansion slots, 84 percent were for full-day (between 5.5 and 6.5 hours per day) or extended day (open at least 10 hours per day) services. This is an exciting opportunity to provide high-quality and high-dosage services to our most at-risk kids!

DEL has solicited help from our partner organizations to help review and score the applications.  Representatives from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Child Care Aware of Washington, Thrive by Five of Washington, and the Washington Association of Head Start and ECEAP are serving on review panels with DEL staff. These panels will review and discuss each of the applications, ensuring that applications are reviewed and considered from multiple perspectives, viewpoints, and areas of expertise.   

While there is a higher demand for preschool expansion slots than are currently available, the Legislature has committed to increasing funding for ECEAP over the next several years until all eligible children have access (by the 2018-19 school year). 

Applications will be reviewed shortly, and contract negotiations with grantees will begin in June. Final funding announcements will be made in July.

Overview of preschool options

Scholarships: Creating Opportunities for Quality Improvement Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge funding is being used to support scholarships for early learning professionals across the state to earn their Associate and Bachelor’s degrees. By the end of 2013, 532 scholarships had been awarded through both the Early Achievers Opportunity Grants and Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals. These opportunities are making a difference for scholars as well as the children in their care!

Click here for more data on Early Achievers progress as of April 30, 2014.

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