In restructuring early learning and child welfare services, the legislature seeks to build on the success of Washington’s early learning efforts to assure children most at risk of experiencing adversity are provided high quality early learning experiences.
Warm and positive relationships between knowledgeable caregivers and young children are critical to child engagement. Along with good relationships are great environments—these are places where children’s curiosity is piqued, they can move and play, and they can be comfortable and relaxed.
The federal government is about to release the results of a review of how Washington handles child abuse and neglect cases. This is an assessment that no state “passes,” but it gives us a pretty clear idea of our strengths and what we need to improve. In a brilliant naming strategy, it’s called the “Child and Family Services Review,” or CFSR for short.
