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Communities around the country are looking for ways to invest in early childhood. And for the most part, that means focusing on preschool.
But for Washington state’s most populous jurisdiction, King County, waiting until kids get to preschool is too late.
Voters in the county, which is anchored by the city of Seattle, recently voted to increase their property taxes to pump around $65 million a year into the most comprehensive early childhood development program in the nation, said Sheila Capestany, strategic adviser for children and youth for King County.
Instead of focusing solely on preschool, the money will also support programs starting with prenatal care through early education and into a child’s teenage years until they reach adulthood.
“It starts earlier and lasts longer,” said Chad Lewis, deputy director of communications for King County Executive Dow Constantine. “And people around the country are eagerly watching to see how this all works out.”
World-class brain research shapes Best Starts for Kids from King County Executive on Vimeo.
Capestany said the goal is to provide a solid foundation for children to give them “every opportunity to reach their potential.”