Agencies and Committees
WFIS represents the interests of private schools on agency boards and working groups and serves as the official liaison organization for independent schools with OSPI and the Department of Early Learning.WFIS Agency and Committee News
State Board of Education notice on safe return to school plans
Public and private schools in Washington are developing plans for a safe return to school this fall so they can deliver the best possible educational experience to their students. All schools will follow safety guidelines of official state and local health agencies. While following the same guidance, each school and community is different so schools may make different decisions on opening and on how to teach and interact with students.
School Immunization Record Requirements & WA IIS
Beginning August 1, 2020 all new students are required to have medically verified immunization records on day one for entry into any public or private school and child care center. Learn what your school is required to do and how you can use DOH resources to streamline your efforts in this regard.
ELAC Update from June 2020 Meeting
Chelle Downey Magee is the WFIS Representative on the Department of Children Youth & Faimilies, Early Learning Advisory Council. Chelle’s insightfulness and detailed review of extremely complex policy work has benefitted WFIS schools’ early learning programs immensely.
Covid-19 childcare guidance from DOH stuns providers
WFIS is concerned that the childcare guidance given by the Department of Health (DOH) is virtually unattainable for early learning programs to stay or reopen. WFIS will continue working with partners at the Department of Children, Youth and Families, and the DOH to suggest safety measures that fit early education.
Are faith-based organizations eligible to receive SBA loans under the PPP and EIDL programs?
The short answer is YES.
OSPI provides updated guidelines on ‘Use of School Buildings’
Per the Governor’s school year closure directive on April 6, OSPI has set guidelines for school use of facilities.
Congress Passes COVID-19 Legislation Affecting Private Schools
The following are CAPE highlights of what Congress has passed in recent days, by no means an exhaustive list, includes areas of interest to private schools.
Child care centers are essential to the economy. But can they survive the coronavirus pandemic?
The public health crisis is highlighting a fundamental problem with the country’s child care system, she said. “Parents can’t afford to pay the costs of the quality care that’s needed and at the same time, child care providers are subsidizing the expense with their own low wages.” It’s an essential public service that’s being supported by individuals.
Washington education officials: school must continue, even during coronavirus closures
WA state officials are asking schools to develop weekly plans for students, including those with disabilities, and to contact families on a regular basis. Teachers are expected to monitor students’ progress, help them set goals and offer online or paper-based instruction depending on students’ preferences. They provided educators with a long list of free virtual tools for teachers, students and parents and offered a sample “plan” for how districts could roll out distance learning.
Inslee asks schools to provide community support during social distancing
Gov. Inslee has banned gatherings & events of more than 250 amid coronavirus outbreak, while calling upon schools to remain as community support for student social services and prepare for possible closure in coming days.
About our work
WFIS representatives work with State Agencies, including the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), The Department of Early Learning (DEL), The Department of Health and others to advocate for the particular needs of private schools.
WFIS representatives at OSPI, DEL and on the State Board of Education communicate regularly with WFIS to help guide and change policy to reflect private school needs.
WFIS works directly with the executive directors of the accreditation organizations in Washington to protect the integrity of accreditation and our schools. We call these leaders “Constituency Leaders” and rely on their in depth understanding of their schools to guide WFIS’ policy decisions.
WFIS is in Olympia during the legislative session, building relationships with Legislators and their staff, collaborating with lobbying organizations with similar goals, as well as reading and contributing to legislation to be sure private schools are considered when law is crafted and when it is passed.