New Wash. Agency Proposed

Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington has proposed creating a state department of early learning as a way to consolidate six child-care and early-learning programs scattered among state agencies. The Cabinet-level agency would also devise a rating system for child-care providers. Ms. Gregoire’s supplemental budget for fiscal 2006 includes $1.5 million to create the agency She is also proposing a public-awareness campaign for early-childhood education.