The state of Washington has the nation’s first cabinet-level early learning agency, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). This type of guidance demands an infrastructure to support its mission. Graduates of the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Early Childhood Education online program are prepared for vital roles in this expansive effort.
According to Start Early Washington, an organization dedicated to advancing high-quality early childhood education across the state, Washington continues to strengthen its early learning systems through research-based strategies and cross-sector collaboration. The organization works alongside state leaders, educators and community partners to ensure policies and programs are grounded in science and focused on improving outcomes for young children, especially those facing systemic barriers.
Through sustained investment, public-private partnerships and an emphasis on evidence-based practice, Washington has built a strong reputation as a leader in early learning innovation. This commitment to helping every child enter school ready to succeed encourages schools, communities, parents and educators to continually improve early childhood opportunities.
The State of Preschool in Washington
According to the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), Washington enrolled more than 21,000 children in state-funded preschool programs during the 2022–2023 school year, including the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program and Transitional Kindergarten. The state continues to meet the majority of NIEER’s quality benchmarks, reflecting steady progress in expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
In addition, thousands of 3 and 4-year-olds in Washington participate in Head Start and special education services as part of the broader early childhood system. Washington’s per-child spending exceeds $11,000 in its primary state-funded preschool program, underscoring the state’s ongoing investment in preparing young learners for kindergarten and long-term academic success.
The Growing Need for Low-Income Preschools
According to DCYF, state-funded early learning programs like the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) continue to face pressure to expand access for eligible families, even as resources and slots remain limited. While newly announced investments could fund up to 10,000 additional ECEAP seats over the next decade and potentially add about 2,000 more slots next school year, current capacity still falls short of the need and waiting lists remain long.
A recent caseload forecast noted that ECEAP funding was reduced for the 2025-26 school year with fewer total slots funded than previous years, and the state’s plan to make ECEAP an entitlement program has been delayed to the 2030–2031 school year due to budget and workforce constraints.
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
According to First Things First, from birth to age 5, a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in life. Early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life. The quality of a child’s experiences in the first few years of life — positive or negative — helps shape how their brain develops.
The National Education Association has published research studies that show the importance of early childhood education to success in school and later in life.
These studies arrived at a number of conclusions, including the following:
- Investing in quality pre-kindergarten programs generates billions of dollars in economic and other benefits for the federal and state governments.
- Pre-K programs result in greater improvements in academic development.
- Preschool programs help prepare kids for school.
- Early childhood education has long-term benefits.
One study found that high-quality preschool programs support not only early academic skills but also social, emotional and cognitive development. Such findings strengthen the case for investing in quality preschool by showing its long-term benefits, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Opportunity for Early Childhood Experts
The growing need for preschools in Washington presents an opportunity for educators with a specialization in early childhood education. As demand for early learning programs continues to rise, qualified professionals are increasingly sought to meet the needs of young children and their families.
Current state and national early childhood workforce trends show that expanding state public preschool programs, reducing student-teacher ratios and increasing focus on home-visiting outcomes all boost the effectiveness of early childhood education. These strategies highlight the critical role educators play in improving learning experiences and long-term outcomes for children.
Eastern Washington University’s Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
EWU’s online M.Ed. program is aligned with the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and covers topics such as the science of early childhood development, the creation of positive learning environments, family engagement, early childhood leadership and educational research.
Completing this program makes those carrying a teaching certificate eligible for an added endorsement in early childhood education (grades P-3). Those without a teaching certificate can enhance their credentials to serve in a leadership role in a public agency or in a private preschool or child care center.
Graduates of EWU’s online M.Ed. program are prepared to support the growing need for high-quality early childhood education in Washington State. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and leadership skills, helping educators improve learning outcomes for young children and contribute to the state’s expanding early learning system.
Learn more about EWU’s online M.Ed. program in Early Childhood Education.
