Representative Ruth Kagi was recently honored by the Children’s Alliance with the Gold Crayon Award – for her commitment to children, families and early learning.
As chair of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee, Rep. Kagi has been a tireless advocate for children and families. Since 1999, she’s been at the forefront of efforts to:
- Reform and improve our foster care system.
- Give working parents the tools they need to care for their family.
- Ensure those with developmental disabilities are treated with dignity and respect.
The Gold Crayon Award was given to Rep. Kagi this year, specifically because of her work expanding and improving both childcare and early learning. In the last decade, early childhood brain research has moved forward by leaps and bounds. The importance of quality childcare and preschool is more clear than ever. Rep. Kagi knows the earliest years are critical to a child’s healthy development; and she’s taken this research into legislating – making it her mission to ensure every child is given a chance to succeed.
Rep. Kagi has been recognized over a dozen times for her dedication to children, focus on improving the quality of early learning & child care and strengthening foster care. She has also been honored as the YMCA Legislative Champion, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Washington State Legislative Champion, the Treehouse Community Partner for Foster Youth Award, as well as her outstanding work for children with developmental disabilities from Arc of King County, and as the Champion for Children from the Children’s Alliance, among many more in her 15 year career in the Washington State House of Representatives.
Because of Rep. Kagi, more children in Washington will have access to the best start in life. The children and families in this state are grateful for your tireless efforts. Congratulations to one of this year’s Gold Crayon Award Recipients! Keep up the great work!