Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 25, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke issues directive on early learning; appoints Robin Zukoski to lead effort

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke has issued an executive directive that requires state agencies to coordinate and streamline programs for child care and early learning.

"Access to quality child care is essential to our robust economy," Locke said. "Working families rely on a broad array of services to care for their children during working hours and to prepare them for school. Because of the size of these state programs and their importance to the continued success of welfare and education reform, we must coordinate program regulations, policies and standards across agency lines." State agencies administer a broad array of programs that affect child care and early learning:

The Department of Community Trade and Economic Development administers the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP), as well as the Child Care Advantages Program, a partnership with business to encourage employer support of child care and family-friendly policies.

The Department of Social and Health Services handles Working Connections, the child care subsidy program for low-income working people. DSHS also licenses child care facilities, funds initiatives for children with special needs and invests in child care quality improvements.

The Department of Labor and Industries administers the child care apprenticeship program.

The Department of Health regulates the health and safety of child care and pre-school facilities.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges provides education and training programs for providers and administers family support and early literacy programs.

The governor said each of these programs has grown, over time, within the guidelines of its particular funding. But the diversity of funding sources has made it difficult for providers of child care and early learning services and families needing these programs.

The governor's executive directive will require agencies to work together to balance the need for high-quality programs with the demands for affordable, accessible care. He said state agencies must develop common business practices to make administration of these programs seamless to families and providers of child care and early learning programs.

Robin Zukoski, whom the governor has named to head the policy direction, said, "I am honored that Governor Locke has entrusted me with this important work. It is imperative that these programs coordinate their policies and regulations to improve the quality of early learning experiences available to children in out-of-home care."

The governor's executive directive was sent to the departments of Social and Health Services; Health; Community, Trade and Economic Development; Labor and Industries; and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Zukoski, age 40, begins her duties immediately. The position carries an annual salary of $85,000.

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