Early Learning Advisory Council

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

July 9, 2024

June 4, 2024

May 14, 2024 - Report Development

April 9, 2024

JOIN HERE

Meeting number (access code): 819 0491 6666
Meeting password: 096812
Join by phone: 1 253 215 8782 US Toll
Passcode: 096812

March 5, 2024 - Report Development

February 6, 2024

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

2022

2022 ELAC Work Plan

December 6, 2022

October 4, 2022

August 2, 2022

July 21, 2022 - Special Webinar: DCYF/OSPI Joint Agency Integration and Inclusion Work

June 7, 2022

April 12, 2022

February 1, 2022