Greetings,

Several organizations around the state are hosting community meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the efforts to create a state early learning plan. All meetings are open to the public, and more may be scheduled. Representatives from the three lead entities writing the plan—Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Thrive by Five Washington and the Department of Early Learning (DEL)—will attend to talk about the plan and process, and hear from you.

All meetings will be posted on the DEL Web site.

The meetings scheduled so far are:

October 28, 2009 - 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The New School at South Shore, Library
4800 S. Henderson Street, Seattle

Hosted by the League of Education Voters, MomsRising.org, Foundation for Early Learning, and Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP

October 29, 2009 - 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Tacoma Community College - Early Learning Center Classroom, Bldg 2-114
6501 S. 19th Street, Tacoma

Hosted by the League of Education Voters, MomsRising.org, Foundation for Early Learning, and Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP

October 29, 2009 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Martha & Mary Early Learning Center
3513 Anderson Hill Rd., Silverdale

Hosted by Martha & Mary’s Children’s Services

November 4, 2009 - 7 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Luke’s Community Education Center
3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham

Hosted by the League of Education Voters, MomsRising.org, Foundation for Early Learning, and Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP

November 5, 2009 - 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Kirkland Women's Club
10052 NE 137th St., Kirkland

Hosted by the League of Education Voters, MomsRising.org, Foundation for Early Learning, and Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP

The early learning plan and "first-step" recommendations are due to the Governor on December 1. The plan is needed to:

* Help ensure school readiness and success for all children in Washington.

* Coordinate the different systems that touch children in their earliest years (early care and education, health, parenting support, etc.) into one early learning system.

* Measure results over time for children and families to ensure we invest in what works.

Visit to learn more about the early learning plan.

The DEL-NEWS listserv is a collection of news and announcements from the Washington State Department of Early Learning to members of the broader early learning community and interested parties. DEL is a Governor’s Cabinet-level state agency created in 2006 to bring heightened visibility and focus to early learning and help all Washington children reach their full potential. For more information, visit the DEL Web site.