Early Learning

All children are born learning. Research shows that the first five years are some of the most productive learning years of a child’s life. Strong social, emotional, language, cognitive and physical developments are critical in these early years and can lay the foundation for a child’s readiness for school and life.

In Washington, less than half of all children begin kindergarten ready for school—and, sadly, just 25 percent of the lowest-income students are considered ready. And while nearly 70 percent of children under the age of five regularly participate in some form of early care and education setting outside of the home, program quality can vary widely—some programs are excellent and others are barely safe.

But Washington is on the cusp of changing this. Initiatives like Thrive by Five and the Foundation for Early Learning are working to significantly improve early learning in our state.

High-quality early learning promotes significant positive outcomes in our communities. By investing in a child’s early learning, we can foster a strong citizenry and ensure that today’s children are on track for success in adulthood. The more people become aware of how quality early learning can help children get ready for school and life, the better off we all are.

The links below offer educators and parents tools for understanding and evaluating early learning.
Learn about this statewide public-private partnership working to achieve sustainable social change. Thrive by Five provides support and information to parents and caregivers while working to ensure that all young children have access to excellent, affordable early learning.

Foundation for Early Learning

Find reliable information for parents and caregivers on how to encourage their babies' and toddlers' ability to learn. Subscribe to their e-news update to receive helpful information, news and tips on early learning!

Strengthening the quality of early learning programs is one of the four priorities of the College & Work Ready Agenda. Read more about this issue and download our early learning fact sheet.