Parents & Family

Parents are their children's first and most important teacher. At the Department of Early Learning (DEL), we work to provide parents with the information and resources they need to make the best early learning choices for their family.

How do I find out about...

• Early Achievers, Washington's quality rating and improvement system
• Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) Vacancies *NEW*
• A Message about Whooping Cough from the Washington State Department of Health
• The Parent Advisory Group (PAG) *NEW*
• Contacting the Department of Early Learning (DEL)
• Concerns about child development (birth to 3)
• Finding the right child care or preschool setting for my family
• Getting help paying for child care or preschool
• Help and assistance for families
• Safe sleep
• How to use my local Child Care Aware agency to find child care
• Kindergarten readiness
• Other resources for early learning information
• The benefits of licensed child care
• Help for families affected by incarceration

Top Downloads for Parents & Family

• Birth to Six Growth and Development Chart [118K]
• Kindergarten Readiness Brochure [811K]
• Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines [10 MB]
• You Have a Choice! A Guide to Finding Quality Child Care in Washington State
• More >