Advocates for Washington’s cooperative preschool and parent education programs have launched a campaign to save them from closure.

The programs provide affordable early childhood education and workforce development for 4,500 families across the state but many do not meet the new framework for employment outcomes adopted by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges last year.

Jharman Lightner, a developmental psychologist and parent educator, said a small language change in the state code could save the program without any need for additional funding.

"If state law would just say ‘parent education students can earn credits and they are considered students,’ then we wouldn't be having to fight for this program," Lightner explained. "We're gonna continue but we don't want to have to be faced with this situation again."

Lightner noted 10 of 13 programs across the state will shut down at the end of June without intervention. She noted North and South Seattle College are trying to raise $2 million to keep the doors open temporarily while pursuing a program credential and policy change. Supporters are planning a rally tomorrow at South Seattle Community College.

Lightner pointed out even though people do not earn a certificate from the programs, many go on to become kindergarten teachers or serve in other leadership positions. She added program closures will mean many lost opportunities for families but the effects go further.

"This is about community wellness. It's about public health," Lightner outlined. "It goes far beyond early childhood education and school readiness. It's bigger than that."

Fourteen Washington lawmakers have sent a letter to the State Board asking for the program to remain open for a year to give it time to find other sources of funding or develop certificate options. The parent education program has been part of Washington’s community college system for 88 years.

Source: Public News Service