OLYMPIA – Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, was selected to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Early Learning Fellows Program on Wednesday.
The program works to connect state lawmakers, legislative staff, researchers, and experts in a collaborative exchange of knowledge and ideas in an effort to bolster state level early learning policies.
“As a graduate of a state Head Start program, I know firsthand the positive impacts early childhood development and learning can have on a child,” said Reeves. “I would not be a lawmaker today without those early learning opportunities that were available to my family. I’m excited to work with other experts and policymakers around the country in exploring new and innovative ways to improve quality and address childcare affordability so every working family in Washington state has access to high-quality early learning.”
According to NCSL, participants in the Early Learning Fellows Program will:
- Build knowledge alongside legislators and staff about new research and policy.
- Be part of a peer learning environment fostering the exchange of ideas and solutions related to early learning, the opportunity gap, and many other issues.
- Meet, connect and learn from other legislative leaders.
- Identify action steps as part of a practical early learning plan for immediate use in their states.
- Receive an exclusive opportunity to speak and learn from leading researchers and policy experts.
Reeves has introduced multiple bills in the 2019 legislative session as part of her “Working Moms” agenda, which is aimed at providing relief for working families in Washington state. One of her bills, HB 1344, sets a bold vision for accessible and affordable childcare for all families by 2025 and lays out a path to achieve that goal. That bill passed the House earlier in the session and is currently awaiting a vote of the full Senate.
The NCSL Early Learning Fellows Program will hold its first meeting in June.