In Fall 2024, the University of Washington College of Education launched a new specialization in Early Childhood Policy within its Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy (EDFLP) Master’s of Education program. This program responds to a growing need for leaders who understand the complexities of early learning systems and are equipped to advocate for equitable, sustainable change. The inaugural cohort of students, all recipients of the Early Childhood Policy Fellowship, bring diverse lived experiences and deep commitments to educational justice. In this spotlight, we introduce Raishawn Swensen.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a specialization in early childhood policy?   

Honestly, I was just so tired of being in the classroom or working with families and not feeling like I had access to get my voice heard or even understanding how policy works. Why are all these things changing, and I have no say in them? I was ready to take that leap to really dive into how I can make more of an impact.

Q: What aspects of the program (courses, instructors, or other experiences) stood out as especially impactful? 

I have two. First, definitely the DC trips. We went twice, but this last one was amazing. We learned about federal policy and how it moves, the difference between state and federal, and how federal policy is not really focused on early learning. They say they are, but they really don’t know anything about it. It was fun to learn that, so I know what to move.

The second is Dr. Meredith Honig. I absolutely love Dr. Honig. She’s amazing and her personality is very funny. On top of that, her work and the class on implementation were very eye-opening. It helped me understand what our elected officials really listen to, what policy implementation looks like, and how to move policy. It was one of the most needed classes we’ve had.

Q: What has been most rewarding about focusing your graduate studies on early childhood policy? 

I’m very privileged to also be a public policy fellow with Pathwaves of Washington, so I’ve been able to work while I learn. At UW, I get the academic learning, and in the fellowship, I focus on early learning systems directly. Whatever I learn here, I can take back to my work site. People take me seriously— “oh, you go to UW, you know what you’re doing.” Being able to apply what I learn in real life, give back to my community, and be taken seriously has been the most rewarding.

Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the early childhood landscape? 

There are so many. I think we’re in a time and space in this country where so much is going to change. I don’t know if it will be me or one of my peers, but someone from this program is going to be in the history books. To better early childhood systems, we have to better other systems as well. We’re looking at revolutionary times, and it’s not about just one change—it’s about the continued work.

I hope to give back my knowledge to my community. I hope to empower Black families to take control of their children's education and to challenge the education system's disciplinary action here to ensure our Black boys and Girls are able to thrive in the classroom and not be placed in the school to prison pipeline.

Q: Reflect on what made it possible for you to pursue this program. What support helped you say yes? 

First and foremost, my family. I have two little ones at home, and they’re the reason I’m in this program. I can’t afford childcare, so I rely on my husband, my mom, and my sister who’s at home right now watching my babies. I wouldn’t have been able to come here full-time and graduate in a year without that support.

The second thing is the fellowship. Because of it, I’m able to come here on a full ride and not worry about paying tuition on top of not being able to pay for childcare. People who look like me, who grew up in the communities I grew up in, don’t always get these opportunities. I never thought I’d be here getting my master’s degree, but here I am. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about the program or yourself?  

In order to keep this program sustainable, we have to continue to be flexible with the people coming in. These are people who work with families and children, who are impacted by what’s going on with the administration, who are juggling their own families while coming to class. We need to make sure they have space to be themselves and get through the program without it being another burden.

I also think we need a hybrid program to open it up to more people across the state and the country. Washington is big—we can’t just have this in King County. If we want this work to be sustainable and fruitful, we need to reach across Washington and beyond.