Gov. Gregoire and Community Leaders Announce Partnership for Quality Learning

SEATTLE -- Governor Chris Gregoire today announced the formation of a public–private partnership between Washington charitable foundations, corporations, and state government to support parents and improve the quality of early learning. The partnership will tentatively be known as the Washington Early Learning Fund.

“I believe every child should have the opportunity to succeed in school and life,” said Governor Gregoire. “Parents are a child’s first and best teacher. The purpose of this innovative partnership is to give them the tools for their children’s success.”   

"This is an important first step toward establishing a lasting partnership to improve early learning opportunities for children and families in this state," said William H. Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "The goal here is a more concentrated and coordinated effort to support parents and families in preparing children for school and ultimately for college, work and citizenship."

“It is great to see such committed individuals and organizations coming together on this issue—foundations, businesses and the state. We cannot let this unique moment of “common purpose” pass without doing something significant with it,” said Jolene McCaw, co-Chair of the Talaris Research Institute Board.

Bruce McCaw, also co-Chair of the Talaris Research Institute Board, said, “Early learning is everybody’s business; it transcends politics and needs to involve both public and private sectors.”

"Our State has a tremendous opportunity to regain the lead in the early learning world if we are willing to provide some leadership that engages both the public and private sectors in that effort. Governor Gregoire’s willingness to provide focus and support for early learning is truly appreciated,” said Bob Watt, Vice President of Government and Community Relations with The Boeing Company.

The Washington Early Learning Fund will complement existing efforts to enhance parent education and support, childcare, preschool, and other early learning environments. The partnership will also act as a new funding mechanism to pool public and private resources to ensure targeted, outcome-oriented strategies for quality early learning.

In addition, two communities in high-need areas, one in Eastern and one in Western Washington; will be chosen to implement pilot projects for early learning and parent education programs.

“The Foundation for Early Learning is very excited about the future for our youngest children in Washington State. This public/private partnership is the right vehicle to carry out the vision of the state and private funders who have dedicated significant resources and passion to early learning. The Foundation for Early Learning is honored to be a member of the partnership,” said Jeanne Anderson, Executive Director of the Foundation for Early Learning.

"The Washington Early Learning Fund is a groundbreaking program, and we're proud to be part of this important initiative that aligns the visions and objectives of the public and private sectors," said Kim Ackerley Cleworth, president and executive director of The Ginger & Barry Ackerley Foundation. "By aligning public and private interests in quality learning, we can produce lasting, systemic changes within our schools making a great difference in our student's lives, and, in turn, strengthening the fabric of our families and communities."

Founding organizations of the Washington Early Learning Fund include: the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Talaris Research Institute, The Ginger and Barry Ackerley Foundation, Social Venture Partners, Foundation for Early Learning, Kirlin Charitable Foundation, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Clear Channel Radio Seattle, and the State of Washington.

Other organizations are encouraged to invest in this early learning partnership and should contact Regina Jones at 360-902-0532, or Karen Tvedt at 360-902-0642.