Senator Steve Litzow, R-Mercer Island and Representative Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, were honored for their commitment to the first five years of a child’s life on Oct. 23 with Silver Crayon Awards from the Early Learning Action Alliance. Senn and Litzow are among 13 legislators across the state receiving Crayon Awards for their work on early learning policy.
The awards were presented to Senn and Litzow at a reception organized in collaboration with SOAR, which hosts the King County Early Learning Coalition.
“As a coalition, we are committed to ensuring that all children and families receive the supports they need to flourish,” said Tim Schuringa, Director of SOAR. “We’re excited to recognize a group of legislators who understand the importance of having a high quality, equitable early learning system that meets the needs of all children and families.”
Sen. Litzow has been a champion for early learning for children across the birth to five continuum and beyond. He led the Senate effort to strengthen the Home Visiting Services Account, allowing for more flexible and effective use of home visiting funds. He has fought for new funding for ECEAP, expanding access to high quality pre-k, a press release said. He was the prime Senate sponsor of the Early Start Act this year.
“Children are born learning,” said Children’s Alliance Deputy Director Jon Gould. “Access to high quality early learning is critical to closing the gap for children who start out with fewer opportunities. Senator Litzow knows that targeted investments in Washington’s children can reap enormous returns. He sponsored the Early Start Act and fought for new funding for high-quality pre-K for kids in low-income households.”
“High quality and accessible early learning programs are essential to prepare all Washington children to compete in the 21st-century job market and fully participate in democracy regardless of race or socioeconomic status,” said Litzow. “Bringing forward the Early Start Act earlier this year made many of our legislative colleagues aware of the importance and benefits of engaging children ages birth to 5. I look forward to working to secure its passage during the upcoming session and appreciate the work of early learning advocates to improve the lives of children.
Rep. Senn believes that all children deserve the opportunity to excel — not just get by. This year, she sponsored a successful bill that expands access to early learning for children in the child welfare system. This legislation improves access to high quality early learning programs for kids furthest from opportunity, the organization said. These programs are going to have a big impact on their success in school and in life. She has also become an important champion for home visiting.
“Rep. Senn understands that early learning builds strong kids and strong communities. Her leadership has improved opportunities for the children of her district and our state,” Gould said.
“Being acknowledged for my work on early learning after serving just one year in the legislature is truly humbling,” said Senn. “As a firm believer in the benefits of quality early learning and early interventions, I look forward to expanding access, and all its myriad benefits, to more children across our state.”
While the awards recognize achievements over the past two years, they also represent the expectation that legislators will be even stronger supporters of early learning in the future.
Three types of awards are given: Gold, Silver and Bronze Crayon Awards. Gold Crayon Award recipients are leaders on the vanguard who champion efforts to expand access to high quality early learning opportunities. Silver Crayon Award recipients are steadfast advocates who further the cause and cast their votes for early learning issues. Recipients of the Bronze Crayon Award are rising early learning leaders.
