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Office for Education Seattle Early Learning Institute 2008 Seattle Early Learning Institute First Annual Seattle Early Learning Institute This was the first time that all federal, state, and city early learning programs within the Seattle city limits came together for a joint training. Over 250 staff from five Head Start grantees and three City of Seattle programs -- Step Ahead, ECEAP, and Comprehensive Child Care Program -- attended three days of administrative, child development, family services, and health training. Read more about the participating programs here. The Seattle Early Learning Institute is one of many collaborative efforts initiated by the City’s Office for Education and Human Services Department to create a City of Seattle Early Learning System. Download the program brochure here. Click on the links below to download the handouts from each session.
Denise Louie Education Center (DLEC) has been a mainstay of the refugee and immigrant communities in Seattle for a quarter-century. In order to promote success in school and community, Denise Louie Education Center provides quality, multi-cultural early childhood education services to children and their families. DLEC has been part of the federal Head Start program since 1984 and now serves 181 children between the ages of three and five who come from over 15 countries in Asia, Latin and South America, and East Africa. First A.M.E. Child and Family Center (FAME) provides comprehensive child and family services at three strategically located centers in central and south central Seattle. Children from birth to 5 years of age are enrolled in Early Head Start, Head Start and Child Care programs. In addition to providing a healthful and safe learning environment for their children, FAME staff assist families in providing health and nutritional counseling, collaborate with parents in developing individual and family strengths, and partner with other community services to better meet the needs of FAME families. Neighborhood House (NH) Head Start provides high-quality preschool education to children ages 3 to 5 at four sites throughout the Seattle area. NH Head Start classrooms help children achieve success by combining excellent teaching with cultural sensitivity. Children participate in a well-rounded preschool program that includes literacy activities and social and emotional experiences to foster healthy development. The Early Head Start Program serves low-income families with children from birth to age 3 (as well as expectant parents) who live in or near any of Seattle Housing Authority's family communities. Early Head Start staff provide support and encouragement through weekly home visits. Home-based activities include parenting education and the sharing of child development information, emphasizing activities and strategies that can be replicated by the families themselves. Family support services as well as mental wellness and support for children with disabilities are important program components. Families are also offered group socialization opportunities twice a month. Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Head Start programs serve 3- and 4-year-old children, offering half-day and full-day programs at various schools in the district. Head Start addresses not only the educational readiness but also the social, emotional, and physical development of each child. In addition, Head Start provides support and opportunities for parents/caregivers, including employment services, referrals to community services, and classes. Seattle Public Schools Head Start supports immigrant children and families. They have interpreters in the classroom for children with limited English proficiency and also provide interpreters for meetings with parents and for family events. United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF) Head Start provides early childhood development and education opportunities for pregnant women and children birth to 5 years old. The mission is to offer an educational experience for children and families that nourishes the spirit and reflects the cultural richness and diversity of the community. Head Start Center Based (3- to 5-year-olds) partners with parents and The Alesek Institute to nurture children's development in an environment inspired by Native values and traditions. Early Head Start Home-Based provides services to pregnant women and children ages birth to 3 years old. Comprehensive Child Care Program (CCCP) is coordinated by the City of Seattle Human Services Department and helps low- and moderate-income working families pay for their child care costs. Families can choose from 165 child care homes and centers in Seattle. These child care providers contract with the City of Seattle to provide high quality and affordable child care. The program serves families and children ages one month to age 13. Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) provides services at 12 different sites for children whose families live or work in Seattle. Quality early childhood education helps children succeed in school . . . and beyond. Children have fun learning in a safe and healthy environment that is designed especially for 4-year-olds. ECEAP is funded by the State of Washington Office for Community Development and City of Seattle Human Services Department. Step Ahead Program offers culturally-relevant preschool for children from low-income families, to ensure success in kindergarten and beyond. This program is coordinated by the City of Seattle Human Services Department as a part of the Early Learning Network to prepare hundreds of 4-year-olds for kindergarten. They have a total of 22 sites, including two community preschools and two Seattle Public School sites. While all of the programs serve a diverse population of children, three in particular are focusing their programs on bilingual and dual-language instruction: The Chinese Information Service Center provides instruction in both Mandarin and English, while La Escuelita at Praxis and Jose Marti provide instruction in both Spanish and English. |
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