DEL Seeks New Member of Advisory Group

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is recruiting for a vacant seat on the Washington Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) and is accepting applications from qualified and interested individuals.  This Council position represents Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant/Seasonal Head Start or Tribal Head Start Program. The position is effective upon appointment through June 30, 2017.

More about ELAC

The Early Learning Advisory Council or ELAC was formed in 2007 by the Washington State Legislature.  The Council plays a pivotal role in the early learning system as an advisory body to the Department of Early Learning (DEL) and serves as a conduit among the state, local communities and constituencies across Washington.  Council representatives from around the state meet regularly to provide input and recommendations to DEL so our strategies and actions are well informed and broadly supported by parents, child care providers, health and safety experts and interested members of the public.  Governor Jay Inslee holds final authority for policy decisions.

Council membership is purposefully diverse to represent Washington’s regional, racial, and cultural makeup.  The Council includes parents, child care providers, health/safety experts and legislators, as well as representatives of Tribal Nations, independent schools, the K-12 and higher education systems, and other individuals invested in improving our statewide early learning system.

Members serve two-year terms that expire on June 30th of the second year.  The Council meets at least six times each year.  Council members are expected to attend and be prepared to actively participate in the majority of meetings.  In addition, Council Members are expected to participants in subcommittees or work groups that meet outside of the full Council meeting dates.  Please see ELAC’s Charter and guiding documents for more on membership expectations.

We need you!

Interested individuals who can commit to the membership requirements can apply for the open ELAC seat online on the Governor’s website by February 15, 2016. Along with your resume, please add a brief statement that addresses the following:

·         Why would you like to serve as a representative on ELAC?

·         How did you hear about ELAC and/or who referred you?

·         What is your perspective on or approach to closing opportunity and gaps advancing racial equity in early learning?

·         What impact do you hope to see ELAC 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!