Policymakers should not only focus on kindergarten up to Grade 12 when thinking of the education system but should also consider early learning and college according to the Cradle Through College Coalition. The call to legislature came in anticipation of the 2017 sessions of the lawmakers where they are expected to continue their discussions on how the state could fund basic education.
The Cradle Through College Coalition, according to University Business, is composed of around 200 school districts including higher education institutions and other groups. The group is pushing for the inclusion of early learning, K-12 and college education in the future sessions of the legislative as they face a deadline come 2018 for the 2012 McCleary decision as well as the state operating budget for 2017 to 2019.
Department of Early Learning the coalition has recommended that instead of pitting the different educational sectors against each one for state funding, legislators should instead connect these sectors from beginning to end to come up with a better educational legislation. It seeks funding for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and the financial air program of the state known as the State Need Grant.
ECEAP, which is a Washington State funded service to eligible students and families, aims to help them prepare for kindergarten. Among those who can avail of this program are those from low-income families or who have environmental and development risk factors that could affect their success in getting an education.
Seattle Times said the coalition believes the current funding system does not take into consideration poverty when deciding the amount of money that goes into each district and it wants a review of this. It also seeks implementation of the McCleary decision to put an end to the use of local levies in funding basic education.
