DEL values the unique insights and perspectives of families and providers and is currently accepting applications from individuals representing the following groups:
- Family home child care providers from Central and Northeast Washington.
- Child care center representatives from across the state, particularly those accepting state funding through Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidies or Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
- Parents of children participating in early learning programs, including those receiving WCCC subsidies or ECEAP services.
- Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant/Seasonal Head Start or Tribal Head Start Program representatives.
EARS advises DEL on strategies to improve the quality of early learning programs participating in Early Achievers. The subcommittee has made a commitment to racial equity and considers the cultural and linguistic needs of families and providers in its analysis and recommendations. Some of the issues the subcommittee will address in the coming year include:
- Developing and improving supports for participating providers.
- Identifying and resolving participation barriers for low-income and culturally diverse providers.
- Supporting subsidy providers and ensuring continued access to care for families receiving state child care subsidies.
The subcommittee also reviews and provides feedback on all major Early Achievers policy changes. DEL staff also partner with the subcommittee to develop the Early Start Act annual progress report to the Washington State Legislature.
EARS RESPONSIBILITIES
EARS meets six times per year; generally from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. These meetings focus on the continuous quality improvement of Early Achievers. They typically include presentations by content experts, group discussion and opportunities to provide feedback and input on implementation of new policies and strategies. Lunch is provided to members attending daylong meetings and non-governmental members may be reimbursed for their travel expenses, according to the Washington State Office of Financial Management travel regulations.
The open membership seats are volunteer positions. Members serve a minimum of a one year (two years is preferred) with terms expiring on June 30th. Members are welcome to remain a part of the committee beyond their term for as long as they are actively engaged. Members are expected to attend the majority of meetings and be prepared to actively participate. Subcommittee members may also have the opportunity to participate in workgroups focused on specific topics or strategies to improve Early Achievers. Participants who volunteer for topic specific work groups should expect to meet outside of the regular subcommittee meeting dates.
APPLICATION
Interested individuals can apply for the open seats by emailing slc@del.wa.gov by March 31, 2017. Please include what seat you are interested in filling as well as answering the following:
- Why would you like to serve as a representative on EARS?
- How did you hear about EARS and/or who referred you?
- How do you see yourself contributing to EARS commitment to racial equity and cultural sensitivity?
- What impact do you hope to see EARS have on early learning in Washington, and how do you want to contribute to that effort?
Please contact slc@del.wa.gov with any questions.
Thank you for your interest in contributing to our state’s progress toward building an early learning system that meets the needs of all Washington children and families!
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