Tag Archives: Early Learning Action Alliance

Rivers’ advocacy for early learning earns Crayon Award

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.

Rivers earns Crayon Award for work to promote early learning

Sen. Ann Rivers’ commitment to protect and grow early-learning programs in Washington has earned her a Silver Crayon Award from the Early Learning Action Alliance.

“It is always an honor to be recognized for the work we do in Olympia, but I am particularly proud of this award because it acknowledges the value and importance of investing in early learners, particularly those kids who start out with the odds stacked against them,” said Rivers, R-La Center.

“In a perfect world, a child would have two parents who are actively involved in its life, but the reality is that that doesn’t always happen. I have spoken time and again about the responsibility of legislators to take care of our most vulnerable, and as a state we need to make sure the necessary supports are in place from the very beginning because every child deserves the chance to succeed in life.”

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