The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is pleased to offer two types of facility development funds to expand access to the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP):

1. Pre-Development Services Program
2. Provider Facilities Fund

SPP Pre-Development Services Program

Pre-Development Services are available on a rolling basis to provide consultative services prior to expanding or improving your preschool facilities.

How can this support my work?

If you are considering an expansion or development project, this program will match you with a local architecture firm with experience in child care facility design. The firm assigned to you will provide DEEL- approved services related to planning for SPP facilities development projects. Projects that have been approved in the past include:

• Assessing the feasibility of facility expansion ideas
• Developing design options that fit your needs
• Developing initial drawings and cost estimates to get your project ready for construction
• Providing expert advice and partnership in the planning stages of SPP-related construction work you are considering

Who is eligible to apply?

Family child care, center, and school-based providers who contract with DEEL as providers of SPP or SPP Pathway.

How do I apply and receive services?

To apply, contact Jenny Choi Jenny.Choi@seattle.gov to discuss your pre-development needs. You will then be asked to fill out a short online application at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PreDevServices

Within two weeks, DEEL will make a decision on your application. If approved, DEEL will work with you and the architectural firm to develop a scope of work. DEEL will then execute a contract with the firm to do the work. You will receive a copy of any plans or assessments completed by the firm.

Who is providing the services?

Three highly qualified firms, listed below, have been pre-screened by DEEL and will provide services for this program. All firms have experience in childcare facility design and working with non-profit organizations.

• CAST Architecture – http://www.castarchitecture.com/
• Environmental Works – http://eworks.org/
• ARC Architects – http://arcarchitects.com/

SPP Provider Facilities Fund – 2019

The Provider Facilities Fund supports preschool facility expansion and renovation projects for SPP or Pathway providers.

How can this support my work?

This fund is meant to support renovation and construction projects that will be used in SPP. Eligible activities include:

• Construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of child care facilities; including instructional space, kitchens, bathrooms, or storage needed to support the instructional space.
• Design, construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of outdoor play space in accordance with state licensing regulations.
• “Soft costs” or any project costs that is not construction (which may include design, project management, and permitting costs) directly related to the development of space eligible for use as a SPP classroom.
• Improvements that provide accessibility to persons with disabilities.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any agency under contract to provide preschool services for the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) or the Pathway Program. Funds are awarded through a competitive application process. There are different funding limits for family child care, center, and school-based sites.

What will I be asked to include in the application?

Applications for funds need to demonstrate that the project is feasible and can be completed within a reasonable timeframe. Also, for the next 7 years, DEEL is focused on creating additional space for SPP where it is needed. You will be asked to show how the location you propose is a good strategic fit for SPP expansion.

Agencies accessing funds may be required to commit improved space to SPP for up to 10 years. The length of commitment will range depending on the funding request. Requests above $250,000 require a funding match and additional commitments from the providers.

How do I learn more and apply for funds?

DEEL anticipates that the Request for Investment (RFI) for the SPP Provider Facilities Fund will be released in June 2019. All updated information will be posted here: http://www.seattle.gov/education/about-us/funding-opportunities

If your application is approved, DEEL will negotiate a contract with your agency that outlines the requirements stated in the RFI as well as a timeline and milestones for distributing funds.

Who do I contact with questions?

Please contact Jenny Choi at Jenny.Choi@seattle.gov

FALL PRE-SERVICE MONTH

AUGUST 2019

REGISTER NOW!

Convenient Locations Throughout Seattle

Weekdays & Saturday Offerings To Fit All Schedules

Training For Birth-5 Teachers, Administrators, & Directors

PLEASE NOTE:

• STARS Credit Available! (Attendees must provide their STARS number during registration to receive STARS credit)
• When registering, please fill out ALL fields of the registration form. Note: If you are filling it out on behalf of someone else, please use the attendee’s specific information (not your own). If their registration is confirmed, the e-mail notification/confirmation with pertinent information regarding the event will go to the attendee’s information provided.
• Disclaimer: Some trainings have priority seating for Seattle Preschool Program (SPP), SPP Pathway, Step Ahead, and ECEAP providers. DEEL reserves the right to prioritize seating.
• Stay Tuned: More links on the way as we secure training contracts with facilitators.

REGISTER NOW!  By Clicking On The Link

08/06/2019

Guiding Responsive Actions In Childcare (G.R.A.C.E.) Training – For Birth-5 Teachers
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdsgmua6f37c0ef

08/07/2019

Guiding Responsive Actions In Childcare (G.R.A.C.E.) Training – For Birth-5 Teachers
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdsng6858f9e755

08/08/2019

Guiding Responsive Actions In Childcare (G.R.A.C.E.) Training – For Birth-5 Administrators, Directors, & Coaches
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdsngpq8dcd7e7a

08/8-9/2019

2-Day CLASS Observation Training – For Preschool Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdsocfced2d2761

08/09/2019

Understanding Institutional Racism Towards Reducing Disproportionate Disciplinary Actions in Classrooms – For Birth-5 Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdsqsjd0b6ed5b6

08/09/2019

Public Health Seattle/King County Health Training (Promoting Mental Health, Encouraging Physical Activity, Preventing Illness, Allergy/Asthma Care & Medication Management) – For Birth-5 Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches (Please Note: Some sections are specific to an age group)
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdudpljd7fd407d

08/10/2019

Trauma Informed Care & Actionable Support Strategies – For Birth-5 Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdsujcv22a32409

08/15-16/2019

2-Day Creative Curriculum Infant Toddler – For Birth-3 Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdudpu7fa279ecb

08/16/2019

Health Wellness & Trauma Training – For Birth-5 Administrators, Teachers, & Directors
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdusxztfb3d9a69

08/17/2019

Health Wellness & Trauma Training – For Birth-5 Administrators, Teachers, & Directors
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdusy79fac82d74

08/23-24/2019

2-Day Creative Curriculum (Preschool) – For Preschool Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdudq9sd17a69c4

08/24/2019

Anti-bias Education & Culturally Responsive Teaching – For Birth-5 Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdumjj5726231e1

08/24/2019

CLASS Introduction Training (Preschool) – For Preschool Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdumjfgebd4bc5d

08/26-27/2019

2-Day Teaching Strategies GOLD Lab Training – For Birth-5 Administrators, Teachers, Directors, & Coaches
http:// http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=dd8zv65ab&oeidk=a07egdu6box521026ff

School Leaders,

It is with great excitement that I announce the beginning of the Department of Education and Early Learning’s (DEEL) funding process for our School Year 2020-2021 K-12 School-Based Investments!

The Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy provides $619 million dollars over seven years (School Year 2019-2020 through 2025-2026) to advance educational equity, close opportunity gaps, and build a better economic future for Seattle students in partnership with families and communities. As a result of the FEPP Levy, approximately $115 million dollars will be directly invested in Seattle schools through K-12 School-Based awards.

We know that in order for FEPP Levy investments to achieve the stated goal of educational equity—where access to educational opportunities and academic achievement are not predicated on a person’s race—City, school, and community partners will need to be innovative, flexible, accountable, and use data to inform their practice. DEEL believes that education is social justice. We believe that by leading with race and social justice, and providing Seattle residents access to equitable educational opportunities, high-quality learning environments, and student and family supports from preschool to post-secondary, we will transform the lives of Seattle’s children, youth, and families. We invite you to join us in this important work.

Key things to know about FEPP Levy K-12 School Based Investments

• DEEL will competitively award school-based investments in three categories: Elementary and K-8 Schools, Middle School, and High School.
• School-Based award recipients will be required to implement interventions in two areas: (1) Expanded Learning and Academic Support, and (2) College and Career Readiness.
• To be considered for funding, public schools seeking investment are invited to (1) submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) by June 28, 2019, and (2) submit a complete Request for Investment (RFI) application in fall 2019.
• DEEL will notify successful applicants in February 2020 for investments beginning in School Year 2020-2021.

Please visit DEEL’s website to learn more about FEPP Levy Funding Opportunities, including K-12 School Based awards, and to view the FEPP Levy Implementation and Evaluation Plan. All questions regarding DEEL’s funding processes should be sent to education@seattle.gov.

In gratitude,

Dwane Chappelle

Director, Department of Education and Early Learning

Seattle (April 22, 2019) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued the following statement following the 8-0 vote by the City Council to approve the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Implementation and Evaluation Plan:

“Last year, when almost 70 percent of Seattle supported the Families Education Preschool and Promise Plan, Seattleites said loud and clear they wanted to nearly double the number of children in the Seattle Preschool Program, invest in K-12 youth so every child has access to opportunity, and expand the Seattle Promise program so public high school graduates can access two free years of college.  

“Seattle can now do more to build pipelines to opportunity and create a more affordable future for Seattle’s young people. These investments in quality preschool, K-12 education, and college will build true economic opportunity.

“I’m incredibly thankful to voters and everyone who has committed to this investment in our young people and students. Councilmember González has been a tireless partner on the FEPP Implementation and Evaluation plan. I thank her for the work she and her team have put into reviewing the details of our investments.

“I look forward to signing this plan, as well as partnership agreements with Seattle Colleges and Seattle Public Schools, this week so we can keep delivering on the promises we’ve made to Seattle’s kids.”

Seattle Preschool Program Opens Applications

 

SEATTLE (March 15, 2019) – Today, the Seattle Preschool Program announced the release of its 2019-20 application cycle and celebrated the expansion of 250 additional spots for Seattle’s 3 and 4-year-olds for next school year.

In the first year of the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy, the Seattle Preschool Program is expected to serve 1,750 children by the end of this school year, providing free or affordable access to high-quality preschool in more areas of the city. New classrooms will continue to increase the geographic diversity of the program, with a focus on providing more capacity in regions of the city with the highest demand. With the start of the new levy, Seattle Preschool Program will be accessible to all 3 and 4 -year-olds, regardless of income.

Seattle Preschool Program enrollment is expected to grow by 65 percent over the next seven years and serve over 2,500 children by the end of 2025-26.

“To help close the opportunity gap, we must do all we can to make sure all children in Seattle come to kindergarten ready to learn. Access to high-quality preschool is one the best way to address inequity in education and in every community in Seattle,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Thanks to Seattle’s support for our Families, Education, Preschool and Promise plan, more three and four-year-olds will have access to high-quality preschool. We must work together to put more young people on a path to good-paying jobs and create a more affordable future for our children.”

“As the beneficiary of programs like the Seattle Preschool Program, I know the transformative power that quality early learning plays in a child’s life,” said Councilmember Lorena Gonzalez (Position 9, Citywide). Parents who enroll their three and four-year old children in the City’s quality preschool program means their children will be ready for kindergarten.  I am thrilled to lead the Seattle City Council’s ongoing commitment to early learning by expanding the Seattle Preschool Program to reach more of our City’s underserved children to close the opportunity gap before it even starts.”

“Thank you to Seattle voters for continuing and expanding the Seattle Preschool Program. As the daughter of a professor and once a Head Start teacher, education was always an important pillar in my household. All kiddos should have a quality education beginning in preschool where children learn about community and the basic learning blocks for the years ahead,” said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (Position 8, Citywide). “Access and opportunity to early learning means that working parents have the ability to be in the workforce, know their kiddos are learning and growing, and promotes equity.”

“High-quality preschool gets children ready to start school and has long-lasting positive effects in their lives,” said Department of Education and Early Learning Director Dwane Chappelle. “Thank you to Seattle votes for supporting Seattle’s commitment to affordable, high-quality preschool throughout the City”

In 2014, Seattle voters approved Proposition 1B (Ordinance 124509) to fund a four-year pilot of the Seattle Preschool Program, currently serving 1500 children. In 2018, Seattle Voters approved Proposition 1 (Ordinance 125604)  to continue funding for an additional seven years of the program, along with investments in K-12, Health and post-secondary.  The Seattle Preschool Program helps prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed. Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs have better academic and life outcomes; they’re more likely to have better grades, graduate, attend college, get a job, have higher lifetime wages, and better mental and physical health.

Applications are now open for all Seattle 3 and 4-year-olds whose birthday is on or before August 31, 2019. Programs are offered through our community-based providers, Seattle Public Schools and family child care. Specialized programs for dual language and special education inclusion are also available. Visit seattle.gov/applyspp to check out our new sites and apply to the Seattle Preschool Program.

 

 

Want to learn how the Families, Education, Preschool & Promise Levy is closing the opportunity gap and creating equity in education? Join us at one of our community events!

DEEL and its community partners are hosting a series of seven community meetings from January-March 2019. Meetings will be held in each of the seven council districts and are designed to inform the community about FEPP Levy implementation and the package as a whole. Students, families, and community members are invited to ask questions, share feedback on proposed implementation design, and engage in dialogue with City staff at all events.

Please join us at one of the following events:

• Jan 21 9:30-10:50am in COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 @ Garfield High School
  • Location: 400 23rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
• Feb 25 5:30-8pm in COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 @ Ethiopian Community in Seattle
  • Co-hosted with Our Best Advisory Council
  • Location: 8323 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
  • RSVP: HERE
• Feb 28 1-2:30pm in COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 @ Greenlake Library
  • Location: 7364 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
  • RSVP: HERE
• Mar 13 6:30-8:30pm in COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 @ Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
  • Co-hosted with the Office of Arts and Culture
  • Location: 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
  • RSVP: HERE
• Mar 19 5-6:30pm in COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 @ Magnolia Library
  • Location: 2801 34th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199
  • RSVP: HERE
• Mar 27 7-8:30pm in COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 @ University Heights Center
  • Location: 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
  • RSVP: HERE
• April 2 6:30-8:30pm in COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 @ North Seattle College
  •  Location: 9600 College Way N Seattle, WA 98103 Room CC 1161
  • Co-hosted with Seattle Colleges
  • RSVP: HERE

To learn more contact Dalisha Phillips at (206)684-3942 or Dalisha.Phillips@Seattle.gov

For the second year in a row and in year four of our pilot, the Seattle Preschool Program was awarded high honors by a national assessment of preschool programs.  This national report assessed how the largest U.S. cities address health and well-being issues awarded honors for high-quality preschool programs, out of 40 programs across the country, only 5 programs receiving higher honors than the Seattle Preschool Program.

CityHealth, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, analyzed the nation’s 40 largest cities for ten key policies that experts say are the standards for highly effective programs. CityHealth awarded each city a gold, silver, bronze, or no medal, according to their performance in the assessment. Nationwide, 33 out of 40 cities received a medal for high-quality Pre-K.

The Seattle Preschool Program again shares the silver medal in preschool quality with Albuquerque, Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Louisville, Philadelphia, and Virginia Beach.

“We are thrilled with Seattle Preschool Program’s designation in this year’s Pre-K in American Cities report,” said Monica Liang-Aguirre, Director of Early Learning for the City of Seattle.  “This report confirms our commitment to ensuring our programs are of high quality and I’m proud of accomplishments of our early learning providers during this pilot. I’m also thankful to the Seattle voters for approving the expansion of SPP over the next seven years.  We know that as more children have access to the high-quality preschool, Seattle will be a stronger city in the future.”

 

The Seattle Preschool Program was approved in 2014 by voters to fund a four-year pilot of the Seattle Preschool Program.  It was recently approved in 2018 for an additional seven years as part of the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy. The Seattle Preschool Program helps prepare children to enter school with the skills they need to succeed. Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs have better academic and life outcomes: they’re more likely to have better grades, graduate, attend college, get a job, have higher lifetime wages and better mental and physical health.

To apply to the Seattle Preschool Program visit seattle.gov/applyspp 

 

Join us on MLK Day January 21, 2019 at Garfield High School to learn about the comprehensive ways in which the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy intends to close the opportunity gap and advance the success of Seattle students, especially historically-underserved students. In this workshop you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Get to know the Directors of Seattle’s Department of Education & Early Learning.
• Gain knowledge about the recently passed Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy.
• Ask the experts about how this Levy will impact you and your community.

 

To request translation services or RSVP please contact Dalisha Phillips, Outreach Specialist –  dalisha.phillips@seattle.gov or (206)684-3942

2019 MLK Day Event Schedule:

Sunday, January 20, 2019

• MLK  Day Youth Celebration @ Langston Hughes 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Monday, January 21, 2019

• Opportunity Fair 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
• Workshops 9:30 – 10:50 a.m.
• Rally in Gymnasium 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• March to Downtown 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
• Rally at March Destination  (4th & Pine ) 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
• Community Meal (estimated) 2:30 p.m. –  3:30 p.m.

The school year has started and we are so excited to have a new group of kiddos start preschool! We still have some openings in our high quality Seattle Preschool Programs across the city and would love to enroll your child if you’re still looking for school options. Below are the locations that either have immediate openings or have minimal wait lists. If you’re interested in any of these sites, please apply today. Some of these sites are enrolled by the preschool directly, their contact information is included.

Use the tuition calculator to estimate the cost of preschool for your family. Three-year olds must meet income requirements to be eligible.

CENTRAL
________________________________________
SPS- Bailey Gatzert: Immediate openings
Launch- Miller Annex: Immediate openings (limited extended day)
First Place: Immediate openings (with extended day)
Causeys – Main: Immediate openings
Launch – Madrona K-8: Immediate openings (limited extended day)

NORTHWEST
________________________________________
United Indians at Daybreak Star: Contact Miriam at mzmiewski@unitedindians.org

SOUTHWEST
________________________________________
YMCA- Schmitz Park: No current openings, but short waitlist (limited extended day)
YMCA – Concord Elementary School: No current openings, but short waitlist (limited extended day)
Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Bilingual Preschool: Spanish dual language classrooms. Contact Luz at Luz.Casio@soundchildcare.org
Southwest Early Learning Bilingual Preschool: Spanish dual language classrooms.Contact Katrina at krojas@soundchild.org
SPS – Arbor Heights Elementary School: No current openings, but short waitlist
SPS – Highland Park Elementary School: No current openings, but short waitlist
SPS – EC Hughes Elementary School: Openings for Head Start-eligible children. Contact Abby at amayers@seattleschools.org

NORTHEAST
________________________________________
ReWA- Lake City:
Immediate Openings (with extended day,) Dual language classrooms (Somali, Oromo, Tigrinya & Chinese) – Open October 15

SOUTHEAST
________________________________________
SPS- Van Asselt: No current openings, but short waitlist
Children’s Home Society – Genesee Early Learning Center: Immediate openings (Extended day is required)
Causeys – MLK: Immediate openings
Hoa Mai Vietnamese Bilingual Preschool: Immediate openings (Extended day is required) Vietnamese dual language classrooms
Launch at Rainier Community Center: Immediate openings (limited extended day)

Apply Today!