What: Early Learning Town Hall Meeting
When: Thursday, November 5th, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Kirkland Women's Club
10052 NE 137th St Kirkland, WA 98034

We have a rare opportunity in Kirkland and the Eastside where you can truly make a difference for kids in our community and statewide. You are invited to a special meeting with the Director of the Department of Early Learning. It's a chance to have your voice heard by the leaders who have the power to affect the cost and quality of preschool, childcare and early learning for all children in Washington State. 


It's not often you have a chance to directly talk to key decision makers and share what life is really like for families struggling to find early learning opportunities for their children. Bring friends, children, your partner, parents, relatives, and neighbors--let's fill the room to overflowing!
 
WHY THE MEETING?  For the first time ever, the Department of Early Learning, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Thrive by Five Washington are leading a statewide team to develop a long-term Early Learning Plan for our state and recommendations for the 2010 legislative session.
 
Betty Hyde, the Director of the Department of Early Learning wants to meet with YOU, and your friends, and hear about your experiences with childcare and early learning.
 
More than 120 education professionals and policy leaders from across the state are looking at all of the early childhood education pieces: From prenatal to preschool. But if they're going to have a clear picture of the challenges that parents face in Washington, they also need to hear from you!
 
THE LOWDOWN ON THE MEETING: Starting at 7 p.m. there'll be a short presentation from the Department of Early Learning, then we'll open the discussion, so you can share your stories about early care and education. Can’t get your child into a preschool near you? Cost of childcare out-of-reach for middle-class families?  Think full-day kindergarten is key? Excited to stay home with your baby but would love more learning opportunities? Good, bad, funny, or sad--our leaders want to hear about it in order to help shape the future of early learning and preschool in Washington State. If you don't want to speak, don't worry!  We'll be handing out cards so you can write down your own personal message.
 
SEE YOU ON NOVEMBER 5TH!
 
Wendy
Wendy DeLong
Co-Advocacy Chair
Lake WA PTSA Council