OLYMPIA –On Thursday, February 13, the Washington House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Lisa Callan, D-Issaquah, to improve how Washington supports infants and toddlers.
House Bill 2787 transfers the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and removes contract requirements for the program from school districts.
“Early supports for infants, toddlers and their families are instrumental in ensuring kids have the best futures possible,” said Callan. “We know that the earlier support is given to children in these critical developmental stages, the better outcomes they are likely to have. This bill allows us to consolidate this program into one place so kids can get effective interventions as early as needed.”
“As a someone who sits on both the Human Services & Early Learning and Education Committees, and as a former school board director, I believe this bill ensures our littlest Washingtonians are getting quality developmental supports as early as possible to help them grow and thrive.”