School Readiness & Preschool

Early Learning Network and Other Early Learning Programs

Free Preschool Programs for Three- and Four-Year-Olds Parent-Child Home Program Early Childhood Education Professional Development Compensation Project

The Families and Education Levy approved by Seattle voters in 2004 includes funding for development of the Early Learning Network in southeast and southwest Seattle. This network, involving the collaboration of the City of Seattle with Seattle Public Schools and other agencies, helps ensure that children develop the skills for kindergarten and long-term success in school.

The City provides General Funds and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) funds from the State Department of Early Learning to offer FREE pre-kindergarten classes to children from low-income families (up to 300% federal poverty guidelines) throughout Seattle.

Early Learning Network and other Early Learning programs include:

• Free and low-cost preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds – Seattle Step Ahead preschools and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)



• Parent-Child Home Program — Free in-home visits and information and training for low-income families with young children.



• Early Childhood Education Professional Development — Free or low-cost professional development programs for staff working in Early Learning Network classrooms and programs.



• Compensation Project — Compensation to attract and maintain early childhood classroom educators in Step Ahead classrooms.



• Network Coordinating Councils — Local coordinating councils are being developed in southeast and southwest Seattle to bring together families, school leaders, early childhood educators, kindergarten teachers and business and community members. Council members will work together to identify and align existing programs and outcomes with a goal to achieve greater educational gains for children and families.



• Kindergarten Transition Partnerships — School-community partnerships are being formed to develop policies and procedures for ensuring successful transitions for children from home and community preschool programs to public school kindergarten. Information on kindergarten enrollment with Seattle Public Schools can be obtained by clicking here.

Information

For more information about Seattle Human Services Department-funded services for children and families, call Deborah Harris at 206-684-8852 or e-mail childrenandfamilies@seattle.gov.

Links

• Current Funding Opportunities
• News