Earlier this month, scientists, early learning leaders and others met together in Seattle for a symposium highlighting the newest research on children’s brains and development and how to use that knowledge across Washington. Participants heard from:
- Dr. Jack Shonkoff, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
- Dr. Robert Anda, consultant with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Dr. Patricia Kuhl, the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences at the University of Washington
The first video includes Department of Social and Health Services Secretary Susan Dreyfus, Department of Early Learning Director Bette Hyde and Department of Health Secretary Mary Selecky who have committed to working together to improve outcomes for Washington children.“The three of us put our hands on the table together, and we made a pledge,” Dreyfus said. “We made a pledge of a commitment to early childhood in the state of Washington.”
The three agencies recognize early childhood spans physical health, mental health and every development milestone, Dreyfus said. The new state Early Learning Plan aims to tie together all these efforts into a cohesive approach to support children and families, said Hyde, who followed Dreyfus at the podium.
“We are looking at partnerships in a whole new way,” she said.
Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large also attended the symposium, and you can read what he took away.