YAKIMA, Wash. -- Leaders in this state’s early learning field have crafted a long-term plan for school readiness.

The draft, released today, focuses on children from birth through third grade and calls for recommendations to be implemented as soon as next year.

The recommendations come from the Department of Early Learning, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Thrive by Five Washington.

“This plan reflects the fact that educators in early learning and the K-12 system have to work together to make sure children succeed,” state superintendent Randy Dorn said in a news release today.

The draft includes strategies, outcomes and indicators in five key areas: Ready and successful children; parents, families and caregivers; early learning professionals; schools; and system and communities.

The draft also discusses ways to build an early learning system that brings together early child care and education, including preschool; kindergarten through third grade; health and nutrition; special needs and early intervention; and family support.

Creators of the draft are seeking public input now through March, when the plan will be finalized.

The draft plan, online survey and more information can be found at www.del.wa.gov/partnerships/elac/elp.aspx.

-- Adriana Janovich