Suzie Hanson, director of the Washington Federation of Independent schools, is currently active as our advocate  in the WA State legislature.  She has shared a concern about House bill 1082 proposed to extend our timeframe for childcare teacher experience based competency to August 2028. Our members and friends are encouraged to look at the shared link and comment on bills that represent your concerns.  The content of this bill includes forming a stakeholder group for this purpose.

• The department of children, youth, and families shall convene a stakeholder group to assist the department in identifying strategies to improve early learning and school-age staff qualification requirements and verification processes including, but not limited to, identifying measures to streamline and clarify relevant administrative rules and department policies and defining criteria and methods by which to honor equivalent out-of-state education and training. 

WFIS has recognized the advocacy work of PNMA with monthly meetings hosted by DCYF leadership.    The fruition of this work includes raising the standing of Montessori credentials and our curriculum in the Early Achievers system.  Programs participating in this recognition of quality will have a shorter path to the points granted for Teacher education and for an approved curriculum.  We thank WFIS for supporting our work and recognizing this milestone.  PNMA member schools are encouraged to add or maintain membership in WFIS for more recognition and representation of Montessori schools.

https://wfis.org/dcyf-pnma-establish-robust-system-recognizing-montessori-for-credit/