In recognition of her commitment to advancing policies that support early learning, Sen. Ann Rivers has been selected to receive a Crayon Award on behalf of the Early Learning Action Alliance.

“Every child in our state needs to be ready to start school regardless of what street they live on or what their family structure looks like. I’m proud to stand up for our youngest residents and do everything in my power to ensure that they are ready to learn and succeed,” said Rivers, R-La Center.

Crayon Awards are presented every two years to policymakers who support investments that are critical to closing the school readiness gap. Sen. Rivers received a Silver Crayon Award in 2014. A formal ceremony to present the award will be scheduled later this summer.

“We are delighted that once again Senator Ann Rivers is a recipient of the Crayon Award and is being recognized as an early learning champion and advocate for her work on behalf of young children and their families during the 2016 legislative session.  Access to high quality early learning programs are essential for closing the opportunity gap many of our children experience.  We appreciate Senator Rivers for her continued dedication to the infants, toddlers and preschoolers growing up in Clark County,” said Debbie Ham, director of the Southwest Early Learning Regional Coalition.

The Early Learning Action Alliance is a broad coalition of Washington nonprofits, professional associations and business with the shared belief that opportunities and support provided in first five years of life are critical to school preparedness and successful outcomes.