April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this month and throughout the year, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) focuses on preventing child abuse. The first step in helping abused or neglected children is to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The second step, is reporting suspected abuse or neglect. 

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has a goal to ensure 90 percent of children in Washington State are ready for kindergarten by 2020 with race and income eliminated as predictors of their readiness.

“Push me! Higher!” Anyone who has visited a playground is familiar with the enthusiastic commands of young children as they enjoy a playground staple: the swings. Swings are a classic for a reason—not only are they fun, but they also play an important role in the physical, social-emotional, and even scientific development of young children.

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.