Public comment is being accepted on the Washington Administrative Code (WACs) regarding early childhood programs. These are being updated as the Department of Early Learning prepares to become part of the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families next July. This is a great opportunity for Montessorians to change WACS that are incompatible with Montessori and ensure new ones aren’t created. Hilary Prentice and Janet Lillella, from Sammamish Montessori, have been advocating for all of us during this process.

Suzie Hanson, Executive Director of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools, has also had our backs throughout the process. She recommends that we visit DEL’s website and comment on the proposed changes, particularly the environmental and credentialing areas. https://del.wa.gov/PolicyProposalComment/Detail.aspx

Suzie also cautions us to keep a united front with the DEL and not air grievances to them. For example, licensed Montessori programs need not fear competition from unlicensed, four-hour programs but could do real damage by complaining to the DEL. Try asking unlicensed programs why they made the decision to go that route rather than seeking to destroy the option.