The voters in Washington state overwhelmingly support investing in our kids, and especially early education.
This is key because research shows the first five years of children’s lives are critically important for their development. We’re committed to ensuring all children succeed in school and life.
Washington state made free school meals available to 92,000 more children, and expanded ECEAP services to more working families year-round and children with special needs. Let’s thank the elected officials who championed and voted for these policies!
Save the Children Action Network applauds King County for voting ‘yes’ to renew and expand the Best Starts for Kids levy. Best Starts for Kids is a comprehensive program that invests in children and families at all stages of life so that they are happy, healthy, safe and thriving. Since its inception in 2015, Best Starts for Kids has funded nearly 600 programs and directly served over half a million children, youth, and families in King County, with 50 percent of the funds going to birth-to-five investments.
Today, Save the Children Action Network and Children’s Campaign Fund launched a first-of-its-kind virtual mayoral forum, The Future for Kids in the Emerald City, an exclusive video series featuring top Seattle mayoral candidates discussing issues critical to Seattle’s children and families. In six videos, candidates Colleen Echohawk, Jessyn Farrell, Bruce Harrell, Andrew Grant Houston and Casey Sixkiller discuss their views on the Seattle Preschool Program, child care, child nutrition, youth homelessness and juvenile justice.
Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) applauds the King County Council for unanimously passing proposed ordinance 2021-0062, giving voters the option of voting ‘yes’ to increase and renew the Best Starts for Kids levy during the August primary. Best Starts for Kids is a comprehensive program that invests in children and families at all stages of life so that they are happy, healthy, safe and thriving. Since its inception in 2015, Best Starts for Kids has funded nearly 600 programs and directly served over half a million children, youth, and families in King County.
Christina Ko
Washington State Manager
Christina is the Washington State Manager for SCAN. She holds an MA in International Community Development from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA.
Christina is passionate about immigrant and refugee rights, and equipping families and communities to prevent early childhood adverse experiences. She believes that investing in the well-being of all children is an investment in our shared future.
In her free time Christina enjoys Latin dancing and travelling with her husband, creative writing, and quality time with their two very fluffy cats.
[email protected]
Claudia R. Villatoro
Washington State Senior Coordinator
Claudia is the Family Engagement Senior Coordinator for Save the Children Action Network in Yakima, Washington. She is proud of her Mexican and Salvadorian roots. She moved to Yakima in 2001 and received her BA in Early Childhood Education from Central Washington University.
Claudia is passionate about early learning and elevating the voices of young children and their families. She strongly believes that families & children should have a seat at the decision-making table and not just be an item on the menu.
Claudia enjoys iced americanos and taking weekend trips with her husband and three children. She is a proud pet mom of Thumper the Bunny and Ruby a rescued Doberman. [email protected]
