The 2026 Legislative Session came to a close last week. Children’s Alliance is proud to have worked alongside many powerful advocates and partners to create positive change for kids and families this session.

Children's Alliance is committed to protecting key programs, advocating for progressive revenue solutions that compel corporations and the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share, and fighting against efforts to balance the budget on the backs of Washingtonians with low or middle incomes.

Our 2026 legislative agenda prioritizes the communities most impacted by systemic racism and economic exclusion, advancing policies that sustain early learning, health equity, and economic justice.

We’re excited to share our first set of state issue briefs focusing on early learning and child care. These briefs explore child care provider rates, the number of young children (ages 3-4) not in school, and other critical factors that affect families with young children.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 KIDS COUNT® Data Book show’s that Washington leaders must do more to provide the support and resources children need to thrive in school and life.

Despite a $16 billion budget shortfall, we were able to celebrate some victories for kids and families this year. Read our full legislative report to learn more about the progress we made.

Katrina, a Head Start parent, shares her experience and highlights the program’s full arc of support, from home visiting in pregnancy through pre-K graduation.

 The federal government is seeing unprecedented cuts to program funding and staff, and there are drastic cuts proposed that would make it harder for families access early learning, health care, and nutrition. 

Children’s Alliance urges the United States Department of Health and Human Services to immediately restore regional support for Head Start programs to Region 10, which serves four states including Washington.

The executive order directing Secretary McMahon to dismantle the United States Department of Education will result in significant harm to children across the country, including in Washington state.