Flash mob of preschoolers takes over Capitol Rotunda and Governor's Office

Trudi Inslee, Bonny Becker, Rep. Kagi, Rep, Walsh
with preschoolers in the capitol rotunda
Photo courtesy Moms Rising

On Monday, March 11, at the Capitol Building Rotunda in Olympia, Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-32 Shoreline, Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-16 Walla Walla, and local children’s author Bonny Becker (A Visitor for Bear) joined moms and kids from MomsRising for a Storytime for Legislators.

Why? To remind all legislators that affordable, quality child care shouldn’t be a fairy tale for Washington kids and that early learning needs storybook heroes this year. Reading is part of a strong early education foundation that sets kids up for future success.

Story time continued in the Governor's Office
Photo courtesy Moms Rising

The Capitol Building was turned over to 25 toddlers who heard stories about lovable furry friend, Bear, from Bonny Becker, the award-winning Seattle children’s author of Bedtime for Bear, while Legislators hear about why strengthening early learning is fundamental to supporting our children’s futures. Stuffed bears were presented to the Governor and legislators.

Rep. Kagi said "It was a delight meeting with my youngest constituents at the “flash mob” in the Rotunda. We seldom see the faces of the children who benefit from the high quality early learning opportunities we are hoping to expand this session. It was a fun day talking with these young 'lobbyists'."

Governor Inslee joined the group in the Rotunda
Photo courtesy Moms Rising

In 2007, only 55 percent of three- to five-year-old children (who had not yet entered kindergarten) were read to every day. Young children who are regularly read to have a larger vocabulary, higher levels of phonological, letter name, and sound awareness, and better success at decoding words. Key programs that will make a big difference for our littlest residents, like quality, affordable child care and quality education programs are vital to this state’s future.

MomsRising is an online and on-the-ground grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to achieve economic security for all families in the United States. MomsRising is working for paid family leave, flexible work options, affordable child care, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes so many mothers. MomsRising also advocates for health care for all, toxic-free environments, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start.