As moms, we know access to a range of educational opportunities is necessary in order for children to be healthy, happy, and successful. That’s why MomsRising is a member of the Cradle Through College Coalition, which includes a broad group of organizations and individuals in Washington State committed to the education continuum from early learning through higher education. 

Educational opportunities, from cradle through college, are critical to building a strong future for all of us. Study after study have shown that access to high-quality early learning, including PreK, child care, and paid family and medical leave boosts our families, businesses, and our economy. So, we’re calling on legislators to protect and significantly increase investments in early learning this year by expanding access to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), our state PreK program, and increasing reimbursement rates in Working Connections Child Care, our state child care assistance program. It’s also critically important that a strong paid family and medical leave be moved forward so all people in Washington State can access it.

The entire education continuum is important. Gains made in the early years must be sustained through adulthood by k-12 and higher education systems that are fully resourced to lift the students, families, and communities they serve – particularly by closing the education opportunity gap.  

At MomsRising we hear each and every day from moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers about the challenges they face accessing quality education for their children. When children and young adults have access to opportunity, we all benefit – including families, communities, businesses, and our economy. 

From my early years in child care in Chicago, to my elementary years at Springhill Lake Elementary just outside of Washington, D.C, to my solo plane trip to college in Washington State across the country from my home; access to education has opened doors in ideas, jobs, and life. Without a teacher who reminded me again and again that “prior planning prevents poor performance,” a teacher who stepped up when I was down in third grade due to family chaos, teachers who taught me to write, that history not only happens but it doesn’t have to repeat, how to form sentences to share my opinion; then I likely wouldn’t be typing to you today. 

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All children in Washington should have a path full of opportunities across the entire education continuum, from early learning through higher education.  Now is the time to ensure the cradle to college pathway is open for the children of Washington State.