The Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) was created by the Legislature in 2007.
ELAC representatives from around the state meet regularly to provide input and recommendations to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) 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.
The council has adopted a Racial Equity Framework through which it conducts its business as an advisory board to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Members
The Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) members are a diverse group of people whose role is to provide DCYF with input and recommendations to inform DCYF's work.
ELAC includes parents, child care providers, health and safety experts, legislators, representatives of Tribal Nations, independent schools, K-12 and higher education, and others who are interested in creating a statewide early learning system that helps all children realize their full potential.
Some ELAC members are appointed by the Governor. Others are appointed by various entities as required in the legislation that created ELAC.
Meetings
The Early Learning Advisory Council has six regular meetings each year, held on the first Tuesday of odd months. At each meeting, ELAC members get updates on DCYF's work and provide input and recommendations to DCYF.
Members of the public are welcome to attend ELAC meetings. Public comment periods are offered throughout each meeting. The locations and times vary for each meeting.
2024
December 3, 2024
October 1, 2024
August 13, 2024 - Report Review
August 6, 2024
- Agenda
- Meeting Minutes
- Meeting Slides
- Meeting Recording
- Regional Coalition & WCFC Updates
- State Agency Partner Updates
- Feedback Loop
July 9, 2024 - Report Development
June 4, 2024 - CANCELLED
May 14, 2024 - Report Development
April 9, 2024
- Agenda
- Meeting Minutes
- Meeting Slides
- Meeting Recording
- State Agency Partner Updates
- Regional Coalition & WCFC Updates
- Legislative Update
- TLS Recommendation Response Memo
March 26, 2024 – Access & Living Wage Proviso Special Webinar
March 5, 2024 - Report Development
February 6, 2024
- Agenda
- Meeting Minutes
- Meeting Slides
- Meeting Recording
- State Agency Partner Updates
- Regional Coalition & Washington Communities for Children (WCFC) Updates
- ELAC Feedback Loop
January 25, 2024 - Special Webinar: Background Checks
2023
December 5, 2023
October 3, 2023
September 12, 2023 – Report Development
August 1, 2023
July 11, 2023 – Report Development
June 6, 2023
May 9, 2023 – Report Development
April 11, 2023
February 7, 2023
January 9, 2023 – Special Webinar: Early Childhood Equity Grants