WSA Head Start & ECEAP

Legislative Updates Archive

March 2009 - SAVE ECEAP!!!

The State legislature is considering cuts to the ECEAP program, and ECEAP families from throughout the state are contacting their legislators to urge legislators to preserve funding.

This program serves the most vulnerable children in our state – children and families who are feeling the economic downturn the most severely. Washington Kids Count estimated that we may see an increase of more than 16% in the number of children in poverty with increased unemployment in Washington. Those affected most will be children like those served in ECEAP – children living in serious poverty, with little safety net available when jobs are lost.

You can help preserve ECEAP funding - Call or email your legislator today about how important ECEAP is to you – you can find them by calling call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. You can leave messages on important issues and the Hotline will forward your messages to your own state Senator, Representatives, the Governor and the Lt. Governor. They have interpreter services for many languages.

To call your legislator’s office directly, you can find their information by typing in your address here.

Let your legislator know how important ECEAP is to you! If you need more information, here is a brand new fact sheet about ECEAP that might help, along with some messages that you can use:

Several media outlets have responded with stories about the issue:

WSA Supports ECEAP Funding - Wait Lists Double

Joel Ryan, WSA Executive Director, called on state legislators to continue their strong record of support for ECEAP funding during this economic downturn. Over the last year, active wait lists for ECEAP programs have doubled in Washington, despite the addition of over 1200 new slots. Click below for the full news release.

3-11-09 News Release on ECEAP funding/waitlists

WSA Legislative Update 2/23/09

Click here for updates on all the state and federal legislative action, including:

Economic Recovery Package
2009 Omnibus federal budget
Competition Panel for Head Start
ECEAP funding
Child Care Susidy Reform Bill
Home Visiting funding
And many more state bills under consideration

WSA Legislative Update, December 18, 2008

Governor’s 2009-2011 Budget
Governor Gregoire released her 2009-2011 budget proposal today, and as anticipated it includes major cuts to programs. This is the first step in the process – the state House of Representatives and Senate will use this information in developing their own budget proposals during the upcoming legislative session, then they will work out differences and pass a final budget at the end of the session.

ECEAP - The Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP), was one of the very few programs in the budget that was spared. No cuts to slots or the vendor rate are proposed. In speaking with the Governor's staff this morning I was told that the Governor believes that ECEAP is a proven program that delivers strong results. She tried to prioritize and balance her proposed budget with the need to protect vulnerable populations and programs that she believes deliver.

Cuts to other programs - The Governor’s budget contains painful cuts to education, health, and human services programs. Obviously, we are disappointed to learn that many good programs serving low income children were cut. We will work with our partners to try to restore funding.

Some of the cuts include:

. Child care subsidies - the co-pays for some families will go up

. Career and Wage Ladder eliminated - this program enabled programs and child care centers to provide better salaries to highly qualified staff

. Child Care Resource and Referral Network budget eliminated

. Home Visiting and Family, Friends & Neighbor support eliminated

. Housing assistance and health coverage for kids leaving foster care eliminated

. Department of Early Learning staff reductions

. 42% cut in the state-subsidized Basic Health Plan

The Children’s Alliance has put together a website that you can use to send a message to your legislators about the importance of continuing to support children and families. Here’s the link.

Links -

Governor's DEL budget
Governor's DSHS budget
Governor's Education Highlights (includes early learning)
Governor's Budget Highlights (all parts of state government)

A more extensive analysis of the budget will sent out to programs shortly. You can find all the Governor’s budget documents via her website.

Congress Working On Economic Recovery Package
Congressional leaders and the incoming Obama Administration have been busy putting together their proposal for an Economic Recovery Package. Head Start and child care advocates in DC have been working behind the scenes to garner support for the inclusion of Head Start and child care funding in the Economic Recovery Package. National groups are seeking a $3 billion increase for Head Start and a $3 billion increase for child care. The message from advocates is that an increase in Head Start and child care would allow low wage workers to go to work and to ensure that their children receive high quality care. It also means employing more teachers, staff, and former parents. A final bill will likely be put together the first week of January.

Because of the short turn around WSA is asking Head Start directors (just one call to each member) to take two steps to assist in the effort.

1. Contact your member of Congress and tell them you would like to see Head Start receive an increase in funding as part of the Economic Recovery Package. Best arguments: a) if we are going to get low wage workers back to work they need a safe and high quality place to put their child; b) need continues to grow with the downturn in the economy and our waiting lists are growing; c) new funding can be immediately spent on helping programs move from part day to full day programming so parents can find full time employment

2. Send WSA the latest waiting list numbers you have available. Be sure to note if there was an increase in your waiting list from the previous year. Please send your waiting list information to Joel.

New Toll Free number to contact your Congressman and Senators!

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) has created a toll-free number that can be used to reach your members of Congress. The new, toll-free number is
(888) 622-NHSA (6472). Calling this number will connect you directly to the Capitol Hill Operator, who can then transfer you to your elected officials. Communicating with your members of Congress and expressing your policy priorities keeps them accountable to you and is an invaluable way to advocate for Head Start!

Ask your elected officials whether they support full funding for Head Start. Call for their support of the inclusion of funding for Head Start as part of an economic recovery package, supported by the Coalition on Human Needs. Educate them on where your program stands as it struggles to provide quality care on a reduced budget. Call now!

WSA Update - Strategic Plan, 2009 Advocacy Goals, Training

We have a busy fall and winter coming up at WSA, and our Board of Directors met last week to make some key decisions as we move into 2009. Joel Ryan, our executive director, has outlined some of those decisions and some of the projects and events we have coming up in the next few months in a letter to WSA members.

Joel's letter includes a description of:

2009 WSA Advocacy Goals (Draft)
- Includes: Creation of an Early ECEAP/Head Start program, protected eligibility for child care subsidies, increased funding for Head Start, and including Early Learning in the state's definition of Basic Education.
2009-2011 WSA Strategic Plan (Draft)
Bylaws revisions
Upcoming activity and events
- Includes: Higher Education Work Group, new Foster Care project, new Policy Council Training event, Child and Family Outcomes project, and a new Parent Ambassadors Project.

Here are the full documents:

Joel's letter to WSA members

Draft Strategic Plan for 2009-2011

Draft By-laws changes

Legislative Update 7-28-08

Things are a bit slow on the legislative front at the moment, since the state legislature is not in session and not much is expected in the Congress until September, but that doesn't mean we can't be busy visiting our state and federal legislators! Joel's complete update, along with contact and website info for elected officials, is available on our legislative update page. The update includes:

Info on federal Pre-K bills
Update on Head Start Funding
Set up meetings with your lawmakers
Advocacy goals for 2009 - complete our survey!
Voter education - there are lots of hot races going on in 2008. Find out about the candidates and how you can get folks in your program registered to vote.

WSA Update - Strategic Plan, 2009 Advocacy Goals, Training

Joel's letter includes a description of:

2009 WSA Advocacy Goals (Draft)
- Includes: Creation of an Early ECEAP/Head Start program, protected eligibility for child care subsidies, increased funding for Head Start, and including Early Learning in the state's definition of Basic Education.
2009-2011 WSA Strategic Plan (Draft)
Bylaws revisions
Upcoming activity and events
- Includes: Higher Education Work Group, new Foster Care project, new Policy Council Training event, Child and Family Outcomes project, and a new Parent Ambassadors Project.

Here are the full documents:

Joel's letter to WSA members

Draft Strategic Plan for 2009-2011

Draft By-laws changes

WSA Legislative Update - July 28, 2008

Pre-K Bills Passes House Committee; May Move to Senate In Fall

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-HI) has sponsored legislation entitled “The Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2008.” The legislation passed the full House Education and Labor Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor and in the Senate. There is some discussion that the Senate HELP committee which Senator Murray sits on could begin work on their version of the legislation in the fall. On August 19th at 1pm WSA will hold a conference call with Helen Blank from the National Women’s Law Center to discuss the bill and how our association can inform the process.

The legislation seeks to strengthen the quality of state-funded prekindergarten programs. The bill authorizes $500 million per year for fiscal years 2008 to 2013 for the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and

Human Services, to award grants, to states, tribes and tribal organizations to enhance or improve state-funded prekindergarten programs. To view a good summary of the legislation please click here.

Funding for Head Start

At the moment Head Start is looking at flat funding—meaning no increase is likely for fiscal year 2009. In the past few months we have contacted Senator Murray’s office as well as other delegation members. WSA has let them know that flat funding is really a cut and that programs in Washington are stretched thin. Unfortunately, we are running into the political reality of the 2008 election. Neither side (political party) is looking for a compromise and President Bush is unwilling to support increased investments in early learning and children’s programs that do not meet his budget goals.

Before Congress finishes up in September it is likely that all appropriations bills will be rolled into something called a continuing resolution or CR until January/February. The CR will include flat funding for most programs including Head Start. Bottom line: We can expect Congress to “punt” and leave all funding decisions with the next Administration and Congress.

Set Up Meetings With Your Lawmakers

In January another legislative session in Olympia begins. But between now and then you have an incredible opportunity to invite your state lawmakers to visit your local programs and let them see the great working taking place in ECEAP and Head Start. During your meeting simply discuss the success of your program and use the opportunity to reconnect with them. Click here to find your state legislators.

Members of Congress will be home in their districts for most of August. There is still time to set up a meeting with them. Contact their district offices and ask them to visit your local program or to meet with you in their district offices. Click here for the congressional contact information.

We also have a web page that has contact info and other advocacy information here.

Advocacy Goals for 2009 State Legislative Session

The WSA Board will vote on August 13th on our advocacy goals for 2009. We hope you take a minute and fill out the survey at this link so that we can make an informed decision. Right now the survey is getting a very good response. Please encourage all staff and parents to fill out the survey as well.

If you would like to weigh in by calling us please contact Joel at (253) 373-9100 or by e-mail at Joel@wsaheadstarteceap.com.

Voter Education

This is an important election for our state and country. The future of early learning and children’s issues could well be determined based on a few votes. Remember the Governor’s race was determined by 133 votes.

There is a hotly contested Congressional Race in the 8th District (Kent, Auburn, Bellevue, Redmond). The two candidates are Darcy Burner (D) and Congressman Dave Reichert. Here are the links to both of their web sites so you can see where they stand on the issues:

Of course there is also the Presidential Election. Senator Barack Obama (D) and Senator John McCain (R) are running neck and neck. So far both candidates have not laid out very specific positions on early learning. The Brookings Institute has done the closest job to discerning the views of the candidates on early learning and children’s issues. Although we are hearing that McCain is currently working right now to further sketch out his views on early learning. There has been some discussion of a teacher test for early learning staff. Here is the link to the Brookings analysis.

The race for Governor is between current Governor Chris Gregoire (D) and former State Senator Dino Rossi (R). Here are the links to their respective campaign web sites:

WSA has decided to spend its time and resources in attempt to educate, register to vote, and turn out parents in the 8th Congressional District. Already we are planning a congressional forum with each of the congressional candidates. On September 16th Darcy Burner will join us to talk about early learning and to take questions from Head Start and ECEAP staff and parents. We are also in the process of setting up a similar event with Congressman Dave Reichert.

WSA encourages all members of the Head Start and ECEAP community to make sure all your parents and staff are registered to vote. Remember there are new rules for Head Start programs:

Head Start programs can invite groups like the League of Women Voters to register parents to vote. In fact, any outside nonpartisan organization can sit inside a Head Start program during working hours and register parents to vote as they drop off and pick up children.

Head Start programs cannot, however, use staff to register parents to vote during working hours. All voter registration and education activities must be handled by a nonpartisan organization and their staff and/or by volunteers.

If you would like to invite the League of Women Voters to register voters at your local program please go to the LWV website.

Head Start Funding Editorial in Seattle P-I, 5/21/08

Joel has written an editorial for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer making the case for increased Head Start funding - Check it out!

WSA Letter to Senator Patty Murray, April 10, 2008

Congress is about to start discussing appropriations legislation, which will determine whether or not additional funding will be made available to programs like Head Start.

With the help of Head Start and Early Head Start directors from around the state, WSA has written a letter to Senator Murray outlining some of the challenges programs are facing due to lack of funding, and requesting an increase of $472 million in Fiscal Year 2009 in order to restore services and help programs meet new requirements.

Letter to Senator Murray (PDF)

WSA Legislative Update, March 28, 2008

Governor Signs Washington Head Start Legislation

We are happy to report that Governor Gregoire signed House bill 3168 into law this week. The legislation requires the Department of Early Learning to develop a plan for aligning the ECEAP program standards to the Head Start program performance standards. The Department must also look at: areas in which ECEAP programs would need flexibility from Head Start standards, how additional dollars should be phased in, and the development of a state Early Head Start program that will serve children birth to 3. The Department of Early Learning received $250,000 to hire consultants to assist them with the study. The study will be due December 1, 2009, but we are hopeful that it will be completed sooner. No funds were made available to begin piloting Washington Head Start programs due to the tight budget. WSA will, however, seek funding in the next legislation session for ECEAP programs willing to be the first pilots.

To view the final copy of the legislation please click here.

Funding for Head Start

Congress will return to work next week. On the agenda is a conference committee to work out the differences between the House and Senate budget resolutions. The budget resolution lays out the total amount of funding that can be spent in certain broad areas. Once the budget resolution is finalized the next step is for the House and Senate appropriations committees to work out the specific details and to decide how much each program is going to receive. Head Start funding is determined by the Labor HHS subcommittee which Senator Patty Murray sits on. WSA is seeking an increase of at least $471 million for fiscal year 2009. This includes $461 million which is the amount that Head Start is authorized for in the reauthorization legislation and $10 million to make up for the cut that took place this year.

We are hearing that it is very likely that Congress will punt on funding until after the election and simply put us on a continuing resolution. This means that we are not likely to see a funding increase until after the new Administration takes over. Having said that though, it is critical that you contact Kathryn Young in Senator Murray’s office and tell her you support at a $471 million increase for Head Start. Let her know if you have had to make cuts this year to services, the great work you are doing, and any success stories. You can e-mail her directly at Kathryn_Young@murray.senate.gov.

We need to keep the need for Head Start funding front and center in our lawmakers minds.

Head Start Guidance and Regulations

The Office of Head Start is in the process of developing new program performance standards and guidance in key areas. The entire review of the standards could take up to 2 years. Folks that attended a recent national meeting on the standards were told that the Office of Head Start is looking at every standard and is seeking to make them clearer so that review teams will not have inconsistent results.

WSA submitted a letter to the new Acting Director of the Office of Head Start asking for more clarification on some issues and providing some thoughts for consideration. We were able to find out fairly quickly that the Office of Head Start is not working on a new NRS. Instead, it appears that they are going to use something called the “Classroom Assessment Scoring System” which is supposed to be a way of measuring classroom quality. It is not a standardized test. Apparently, it is known to be of high quality and reliability. WSA will forward on a power-point we received to Head Start directors in a separate e-mail.

Picturing America Available to Head Start Programs

The Picturing America program will become available to local Head Start programs in April. It allows programs to “house” 40 reproductions of major artwork and to allow children to learn art history and appreciate fine work. If you are interested in getting involved here is the web site.

WSA Summer Institute Will Take Place June 16th to June 18th

WSA will hold its annual summer institute from June 16th to June 18th in Ellensburg. This year we will have 8 terrific 20 credit each sessions with highly skilled trainers. We will be sending you more specific information about the course offerings and how to register very shortly. We hope you will find that the summer institute will be top notch and a great place for staff to receive the very best training. Thanks to the over 100 members of our community that responded to the Summer Institute survey.

WSA Strategic Plan

The WSA Board of Directors will be meeting on May 1st and May 2nd to discuss our 3 year strategic plan. The plan will include a beefed up training component, more engagement of parents, ECEAP programs, tribal and migrant programs, a marketing plan, and additional member services. Following the board meeting we will present the plan to our full membership for feedback.

Obama and Clinton Dance Disco

Yes, it finally happened. I am sending folks a link to a Jib Jab video of Obama and Clinton dancing the Disco. For disco fans out there and hopefully there aren’t that many of you please enjoy. For everyone else this is a great distraction from work for a minute or two.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/disco-clinton-and-obama/1076378275

Not Getting Information Sent Right To You

If you are not getting information directly sent to you and have to rely on a neighbor to forward you updates and other information please go to our web site at www.wsaheadstarteceap.com and enter your contact information. No more having to wait for that busy director or staff person to forward you information.

November 2007

The "Improving Head Start Act" was passed by the Congress on November 14th, 2007, and has been sent to the President for signing. WSA has been at the forefront of the Head Start debate the past 4 years. We are delighted to see that the final bill was completed in a bipartisan manner and will truly make the program better for Washington’s children.

The “Improving Head Start Act” makes the following positive changes:

Increases the income eligibility so more working poor families are able to participate in the program;
Terminates the National Reporting System—the SAT like test currently required in classrooms;
Sets an important new goal that 50% of Head Start teachers must have a BA degree in early childhood education;
Maintains the important role of parent involvement in the program by keeping the parent policy councils intact;
Provides additional funding for Migrant and Indian programs and provides greater access for homeless and foster care families;
Expands the Early Head Start program;
Increases accountability by allowing HHS to close down poorly run programs.

PDF links:

Joel's Head Start Reauthorization Summary

Full Conference Report/Bill

Corrected homeless language

Committee Summary of Conference report

Conference Report Matrix

WSA News Release on Head Start Reauthorization

Seattle P-I Editorial

September 10, 2007

Head Start Reauthorization Update

House and Senate staff on the Hill continue to work on the Head Start Reauthorization. It appears that a conference committee may not be appointed until the end of September/beginning of October. The conference committee’s job is to look at the differences between the House and Senate versions and come up with a final compromise bill. Senator Patty Murray will be on the conference committee.

We have been told that there are still several big issues needing to be worked out including the role of the parent policy council, the state advisory councils, and the 130% of poverty.

Our association took the lead in developing a national parent policy council sign on letter. So far, over 75 members of Congress have signed onto a letter asking that the role of the parent policy council be maintained. In WA Congressman Jim McDermott and Congressman Jay Inslee have agreed to sign onto the letter.

Here’s where we need your help! Contact Reps. Adam Smith, Norm Dicks, Dave Reichert, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Brian Baird, and Doc Hastings and ask them to sign onto the Parent Policy Council “Dear Colleague’ letter being circulated by Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) and Congressman Mark Souder (R-IN).

You can reach these offices in DC by calling (202)224-3121 and asking for your respective congressional office.

New Office of Head Start Director

Many of you are aware that Channell Wilkins has been replaced by Patricia Brown, formerly the Region 7 administrator. The Bush Administration is also in the process of finding a replacement for the former Assistant Secretary Wade Horn.

Higher Education Legislation Passes

A higher education student loan bill passed last week. The bill increases the amount of the Pell grant for low income students and decreases the interest rate on some federally backed student loans. The bill also would provide student loan forgiveness for early childhood education professionals.

New Book Out on Pre-School Movement

While I have not had a chance to read this book I have heard that everyone should read “The Sandbox Investment.” It describes the latest developments in pre-school and how advocates were able to move the pre-school agenda forward.

http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/KIRDOE.html

Funding

Some of you might have been wondering what is taking place with funding for Head Start and child care. If you recall, the House passed their version of Labor HHS which included an increase in funding for Head Start. The Senate has not passed their version. From talking with Hill staff it appears the Senate bill may not be voted on this fall and instead be bundled together with other pieces of legislation sometime in December. We are still a long way away from seeing a final appropriations bill.

Set Up a Meeting with Your State Lawmakers

Now is the time to invite your two State Representatives and Senator to visit your local Head Start or ECEAP program. We want to educate them about the incredible work you are doing and let them see first hand the difference you make in a family’s life.

To invite your state lawmaker to your local program simply go to http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature and obtain their direct contact information. Before the meeting be sure to figure out with the people you would like to have in the meeting, the type of simple materials you would like to provide to them, and what you will say and talk about.

We would like to have every lawmaker on the key committees to visit an ECEAP or Head Start program by January so that we are ready to roll with our Advocacy Goals. Here are the key committees. Take a look to see if you have a lawmaker on it:

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/APPE/Members.htm

House Early Learning and Children’s Services
http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/ELCS/Members.htm

Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee
http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/EDU/members.htm

Senate Ways and Means
http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/WM/members.htm

If you need some help getting your meeting set up or have recently had a meeting and would like to report your results please call Joel at (253)373-9100.

2008 Advocacy Goals Approved at Board Meeting

We are happy to announce that our advocacy goals for 2008 have been approved by the WSA Board of Directors. Members of our association will have an opportunity to review them at the October Fall Meeting. Please find attached a copy of the advocacy goals agreed upon by the board.

Strategic Planning Session

WSA is in the process of beginning a new round of strategic planning. We would like to get more members of our community involved in this process. We are looking for 2 parents and 2 staff to participate in our strategic planning process. If you are interested or have a parent or staff person you would like to recommend please e-mail at joel@wsaheadstarteceap.com

Web Site Team Members Needed

We are busy working on our new web site and hope to unveil it soon. We are looking for members of our community who would be interested in previewing the web site and giving us your opinion about its appearance, accessibility, and usefulness. If you are interested please contact Katy at Katy@wsaheadstarteceap.com

Many Thanks!

I wanted to thank everyone for the very kind e-mails regarding the birth of my daughter Shoshanna. I am certainly getting a whole new perspective on children and I hope this will make me a stronger child advocate. At the moment I am still trying to master diapering and burping and the baby is still getting used sleeping, Red Sox baseball, and listening to long discussions about the state of the Democratic Party…Yes she is leaning toward Obama right now. Thanks again for the kind words!

July 27, 2007

Head Start Reauthorization Update

The U.S. Congress has gone home for August without passing the Head Start Reauthorization, but Joel had a great conference call with Channell Wilkins, Director of the Office of Head Start, and has a lot to report about things going on at OHS, with reauthorization, and with Head Start Funding. Click here to get the full report.