What’s the DEEL? Department of Education and Early Learning

Department of Education and Early Learning

Handbook for Health Heroes: New Comic Book Answers Families’ Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids

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By Ciara Pickering, DEEL COVID-19 Communications Advisor

With the rise in COVID-19 cases this spring and the emergence of new variants, it’s more important than ever to protect ourselves and our communities by getting vaccinated. New information about COVID-19 and the vaccine continues to surface and many people find themselves with a lot of questions, especially about vaccines for kids ages 5 – 11. In collaboration with Public Health – Seattle & King County and Seattle Public Schools, DEEL has produced the Handbook for Health Heroes, a comic book guide to help answer families’ questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids.

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Applying for DEEL Funding? Tune-In To Recorded Information Sessions, May 2022! 

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DEEL is currently accepting applications for several exciting funding opportunities that will invest in community-based organizations providing equitable learning opportunities for Seattle children and youth.  

We invite you to learn more about DEEL finding opportunities by visiting our website, viewing the information sessions below, and joining us for upcoming technical assistance sessions to receive guidance on your application.  

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DEEL Announces Up To $1.5M in Grant Funding for Cultural Education and Leadership Opportunities Supporting Historically Underserved Youth

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Bruce Harrell, Mayor 

Dwane Chappelle, Director 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

April 26, 2022 

Contact: Sage Leibenson, sage.leibenson@seattle.gov, 206.507.6701    

DEEL Announces Up To $1.5M in Grant Funding for Cultural Education and Leadership Opportunities Supporting Historically Underserved Youth

Community organizations are invited to apply by May 16 for up to $150,000 per awardee 

Additional funding will support educator diversity programs

SEATTLE (April 26) – Yesterday, the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) announced the opening of applications for the Youth Leadership and Cultural Education Request for Investment (RFI). As part of DEEL’s 2022 budget allocation supporting recommendations from the Equitable Communities Initiative, DEEL will invest up to $1.5 million in community-based leadership and cultural education opportunities for historically underserved youth disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities. Applicants are invited to apply for up to $150,000 with funds awarded through a competitive process managed by DEEL. 

This RFI seeks to increase access to culturally-responsive education in safe spaces where culture and identity are celebrated, allowing youth to develop their authentic selves while receiving academic enrichment. Examples of programs that may be approved for funding include mentorship, art, and college and career exploration rooted in students’ culture and aspirations. In alignment with the community-driven approach of the Equitable Communities Initiative, the investment strategy for this funding opportunity is centered in feedback from youth and community partners, and evidence-based practices focused on improving academic outcomes for historically underserved youth.   

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DEEL Spring 2022 Newsletter

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DEEL's Spring 2022 Newsletter. Seattle Preschool Program

DEEL’s spring 2022 newsletter is available now! DEEL is excited to announce Seattle Preschool Program enrollment is currently open for 3- and 4-year-olds in Seattle. This issue also provides information about Washington state’s new Cost of Care Study for child care providers, financial aid and internship opportunities students, new funding opportunities and more!

Read DEEL’s spring 2022 newsletter here, and sign up for DEEL’s mailing list to get updates and announcements delivered to your inbox.

New Funding Opportunity: Community-Based Organizations Are Invited to Apply for DEEL’s Summer Learning Request for Investment 

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NEWS RELEASE 

Bruce Harrell, Mayor 

Dwane Chappelle, Director 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Sage Leibenson, sage.leibenson@seattle.gov, 206.507.6701    

New Funding Opportunity: Community-Based Organizations Are Invited to Apply for DEEL’s Summer Learning Request for Investment 

Apply by April 27th for grants up to $75,000 

SEATTLE (April 12) – The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is currently requesting applications from community-based organizations and city agencies for DEEL’s Summer Learning Enhancement Request for Investment (RFI). Funded by the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy, this funding opportunity seeks to expand or enhance existing community-based summer programs for Seattle K-12 students.

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Fabrics of Our Lives: Atlantic Street Center Youth Celebrate Black History   

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At the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, Seattle youth took to the stage to deliver a stellar performance celebrating Black History Month titled, Fabrics of Our Lives.  The play highlighted art, culture, and important moments in American history through tributes to Black civil rights activists, the Harlem Renaissance, Harriet Tubman, the Black Panthers and boy bands of the 1980’s to name only a few. Performers included youth representing Atlantic Street Center (ASC), D&G Dance Company and individual youth performers Tazz Enrico, Skye Dior, and Ashley McCarver.   

The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is proud to partner with ASC to increase access to enrichment and academic experiences for students furthest from educational justice. Research shows that youth are more likely to graduate high school on time and pursue higher education when learning in environments that reflect their cultural identities and building relationships with adults they trust. The Fabrics of Our Lives theater production is one of many ASC youth programs that foster leadership skills, positive identity development, and cultural pride.  

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Classroom Expansion and New Dual-Language Programs Mark New Year of Seattle Preschool Program

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This week, at the Denise Louie Education Center in the Chinatown/International District, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle DEEL Director Dwane Chappelle joined Denise Louie Director Susan Yang to announce the opening of Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) applications for the 2022-2023 school year and the expansion of seven new classrooms for the program’s eighth year.

Tuesday’s event also celebrated the delivery of more than 8,700 home learning kits that have been provided to SPP families throughout the pandemic to encourage parent engagement and support sensory exploration and important foundations for learning and development. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the teachers and faculty at Denise Louie,” said SPP parent Liling Kong, who also spoke at today’s press conference. “I’m so grateful for the way they provide motivating lessons, help [my daughter] set realistic goals, and encourage learning and improving skills. They have such wonderful teachers at this school, and I can’t thank you all enough.”

This year, SPP will add seven new classrooms and 144 additional seats, allowing the City to serve up to 2,144 preschoolers this upcoming school year with its award-winning, high-quality programming. Two of the new classrooms will offer dual-language programming, including SPP’s first Somali-English classroom at Voices of Tomorrow Family and Child Center in South Seattle. Two new SPP Plus classrooms that provide inclusive programming for children with disabilities will open at Seattle Public Schools sites.

Denise Louie Education Center serves more than 500 children, ages birth to five, across multiple sites. Executive Director Susan Yang said, “The Seattle Preschool Program has grown into a national model for other cities and Denise Louie proudly hosts four classrooms across the city. We thank the City for their leadership and support through the pandemic, and the Mayor for his long-term commitment to early learning.”

Families can apply for Seattle Preschool Program at seattle.gov/applySPP. Translated applications are available and additional language assistance is provided for those who need help completing the application process by calling DEEL at 206-386-1050 or emailing preschool@seattle.gov.

Read the full press announcement here.

Seeking Feedback from Community Organizations Led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color: Survey to Inform Funding for Youth Empowerment and Cultural Education Programs Serving Youth of Color

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The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is seeking feedback from community-based organizations led by Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and sole proprietors serving youth and families of color in Seattle, WA. Feedback provided will help inform upcoming funding opportunities that support BIPOC youth empowerment and cultural education in response to recommendations from the Equitable Communities Initiative (ECI). 

Through this survey, we hope to reach the following objectives: 

  • Identify community-based partners that may be interested in applying to the ECI funding opportunity. 
  • Understand existing efforts in the areas of youth leadership and cultural education. 
  • Identify current barriers for organizations in applying for City of Seattle funding to improve our application process.  

To provide your feedback and receive updates relating to this funding opportunity when it becomes available, please complete the quick survey below: 

Survey link: tinyurl.com/2022eci 

Alt Text: Seattle Community-Based Organization Survey: Get your voices heard by filling out this 5-8 minute survey. Input will inform future funding opportunities for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Completed surveys will enter into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Alternate Text for Survey Flyer: Seattle Community-Based Organization Survey; Get your voices heard by filling out this 5-8 minute survey. Input will inform future funding opportunities for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Completed surveys will enter into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

Please help us spread the word about this survey to local organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color serving youth throughout Seattle, WA! 

This survey will close on March  14th at 10:00 p.m. 

Call for Community Volunteers: Join the FEPP Levy Oversight Committee to advise on how the City of Seattle advances educational equity from preschool to postsecondary through policy and financial investments

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The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is currently accepting applications for five new committee members for the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy Oversight Committee (LOC). LOC members serve three-year terms, with the exception of youth members, who will serve a one-year term. Interested community members are encouraged to apply through the City of Seattle Boards and Commissions website. Applications are due by Monday, February 14, 2022. 

DEEL seeks applicants representing historically-underserved communities— specifically, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islanders, underserved Asian populations, other students of color, refugee and immigrant, homeless, English language learners, and LGBTQ+ communities. Youth, young adults, and parents of students served by FEPP Levy investments are encouraged to apply. 

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