Protecting Washington’s Early Childhood Infrastructure
During the upcoming legislative session, First 5 FUNdamentals will focus on protecting the early childhood systems that strengthen families across Washington. These systems — especially those supporting maternal and infant health — rely on coordinated implementation and public investment that is part of a broader, braided funding model.
Our commitment is to ensure policymakers hear directly from communities, parents, caregivers, and partners about what families need from the very start.
Early Support. Generational Impact.
The coordinated systems we steward across Washington — including postpartum nurse home visiting, family resource navigation, basic-needs support, and our statewide network that connects early childhood coalitions across every region — help prevent maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and strengthen family well-being.
This legislative session, we are urging the state to protect the critical infrastructure that makes these outcomes possible. State investment is the cornerstone of a broader, braided funding model. Protecting these dollars ensures Washington’s early childhood system remains strong, equitable, and responsive to the real needs of families.
What’s Possible for Washington:
Pierce County Early Childhood Supports Map
This map illustrates how Pierce County is building a coordinated early childhood support system that can inform what’s ahead for Washington—showcasing Family Connects service ZIPs, Diaper Bank Network sites, Warm Referral Resource Navigator activity, Baby Lounge locations, and CCCI child care partners.
Together, these efforts demonstrate how community-anchored infrastructure strengthens early childhood systems by improving access to care, supporting family well-being, and connecting parents and caregivers to essential resources where they live.
Legislative District and County Council boundaries are included to highlight how local systems can align with statewide policy and planning.