From the Director:

Welcome to Docs For Tots Washington State! Our mission is to build and support a network of Washington doctors collaborating with others in advocacy for young children.

Why?  Investing in young children and families through a preventive approach is the most effective and economical way to improve health, education, and lifetime outcomes for children.

Why doctors?  Doctors are some of the most trusted messengers with families, and with the public and decision-makers.  Doctors’ voices can greatly enhance efforts to promote child health and well being.

Why early learning? Leadership from Governor Gregoire, the legislature, philanthropy, and the business community have helped create tremendous momentum. A new spotlight on young children led to the creation of a new state agency, the Department of Early Learning, and a new public-private partnership called Thrive By Five Washington. Early Learning and School Readiness are vehicles through which we can implement policies and practices which will assure the needs of the whole child and family are met…and that children are healthy and ready for success in school and life.

Why advocacy?  Real change for children means translating research into the policies and practices which will improve outcomes for young children and families.  Getting from “here to there” requires effective voices articulating both the needs, and what should be done to address them.

Why should doctors join Docs For Tots? Docs For Tots is a free resource whose purpose is to make it easy for doctors to advocate for the policies and programs that will support children’s healthy development, at both the state and community levels. With a growing network of doctors in our Washington state network, we are continually increasing our capacity to positively impact the lives of our youngest children.  Network doctors have access to the latest materials and opportunities, and can be easily connected to our partners in advocacy.

Why collaborate?  Because partnership in advocacy is the most effective tool we have!  Docs For Tots works closely with those who want to improve outcomes for young children, looking for ways that the voices of Doctors can most add value.  We welcome all visitors to our website, and encourage you to explore our resources.  We also encourage requests from Washington state groups wanting to engage doctors in work to benefit young children and their families.  

We have the opportunity, and the power, to make a real difference for young children. Please join us!

Jill Sells, MD
Director, Docs For Tots Washington State