Advocates for the developmental needs of young children are proud to recognize nine state legislators for their outstanding work in helping more children access early learning opportunities.

The Early Learning Action Alliance and the King County school-readiness group SOAR will present each with a Crayon Award at a 1 p.m. ceremony Thursday at Wellspring Family Services, 1900 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle.

“Investment in early learning pays immediate and long-term dividends for individuals, families and communities,” says SOAR director Harla Tumbleson. “The Crayon Awards provide us with the opportunity to acknowledge and thank leaders with the vision and courage to recognize and support this important investment.”

Recipients are:

Sen. David Frockt (46th – Seattle) receives a Gold Crayon Award

Rep. Roger Goodman (45th – Kirkland) receives a Gold Crayon Award

Rep. Tina Orwall (33rd – Des Moines) receives a Gold Crayon Award

Rep. Pat Sullivan (47th – Auburn) receives a Gold Crayon Award

House Speaker Rep. Frank Chopp (43rd – Seattle) receives a Silver Crayon Award

Rep. Ross Hunter (48th – Bellevue) receives a Silver Crayon Award

Sen. Ed Murray (43rd – Seattle) receives a Silver Crayon Award

Sen. Steve Litzow (41st – Bellevue) receives a Silver Crayon Award

Rep. Cathy Dahlquist (31st – Enumclaw) receives a Bronze Crayon Award

More on the Crayon Awards

From August through Sept. 19, state legislators across Washington are receiving Crayon Awards for their outstanding work in helping more children access early learning opportunities in the past two years: from protecting state investments in programs, to advocating for policy changes that increase the continuity of care for children.