What's Happening in Washington?

Worthy Wage Day

Seattle Worthy Wage Day. On April 30, 2004 child care workers marched for worthy wages. This year's Worthy Wage Day focused on the continuing wage crisis in the early childhood field, with speakers like Erin Welch, Joyce Reason and Dorothy Gibson calling for public support for early childhood - including support for worthy wages.

Click here to learn more about this event http://www.ccw.org/states/Washington.html

Organizations/Coalitions

The Child Care Workforce Alliance of Washington/AFT (the Alliance). A broad-based organization committed to improve the quality of jobs for the early care and education workforce in Washington State and ensuring all families have access to high-quality early learning and care.

For more information contact: Dorothy Gibson, CCWA of Washington AFT at 206-242-4777 or by email at dgibson@wftaft.com

Professional Development Opportunities

Washington STARS (State Training and Registry System). A career development and training system for individuals who work in child care, early education, and school-age care.

For more information contact WAEYC-Washington Association for the Education of Young Children at 253 854-2565 x17

The Training Resources and Interactive Network (T.R.A.I.N). Serves trainers, training organizations and people working with children, youth and families looking for training.

For more information contact (206) 364-4070 or constanthine@washingtontrain.org

Access Washington – Early Childhood. This website has lists of accredited early child care and education programs, as well as information on head start programs.

For more information contact 1-888-270-0614

Washington Department of Early Learning. This website contains information for parents and early childhood educators as well as information on licensing and different early childhood programs in the state.

For more information contact 1-888-270-0614

Child Care Workforce Alliance of Washington. The Child Care Workforce Alliance of Washington (CCWA) is an associate membership program of the American Federation of Teachers. The CCWA was formed to be a voice for the child care workforce in order to advocate for livable wages, benefits, and professional development opportunities.

For more information contact (206)242-4777

Scholarship Programs

Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals, which gives scholarships to child care workers to complete course work in early childhood education and to increase their compensation.

For more information contact Susan Yang Affolter, Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network at 253-383-1735 ext 25 or by e-mail at susan@childcarenet.org

Scholarships for STARS. Scholarships for STARS training are available for providers required to participate in STARS.

To request a Scholarship Application, call the STARS forms request line 1-800-727-3107 X 17

Wage Incentives

Early Childhood Education Career and Wage Ladder. Links wage increments with the experience, responsibility and education of the early care and education workforce.

For more information contact John Burbank, Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Institute at 206-529-6345 or by email at john@eoionline.org