February 2010

THRIVE IN ACTION

Thrive Invests $350,000 to Support a “Culture of Literacy”

The pathway to literacy begins in infancy.

And to help make sure more children get the early language and reading skills they need for school readiness and long-term academic success, Thrive will soon kick off its Culture of Literacy initiative with a $350,000 investment of public and private funds in the early literacy work happening in four early learning coalitions – representing a dozen counties – throughout the state.

The Culture of Literacy initiative supports the expansion of key early literacy programs and the creation of an early literacy system in Washington state.

The majority of funds will support some new and existing literacy programs, including Reach Out and Read Washington, the statewide arm of a national program that supports early literacy by having pediatricians give new books to children and advice to parents.

Early learning coalitions were awarded grants as part of the Culture of Literacy Initiative include:

Funding from the state Department of Early Learning also made it possible for Thrive to provide a grant to Partnership for Children & Families (Chelan and Douglas counties) to support their expansion of Reach Out and Read and early other early literacy programs.

LEARNING FOR LIFE

Important Note! Starting in March, Learning for Life will now air every Wednesday on KING Morning News on KONG 6/16 TV between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. Please send any stories ideas about people, programs and work being done to support children from birth to age 5 to molly@thrivebyfivewa.org.

The Toddler

Toddlers: They're walking, talking and taking on their world. It's a stage that is a roller coaster ride in every way imaginable. These little people have grown enough to have their own thoughts and ideas about things happening in their world, but their bodies and emotions haven't kept pace.

This month's Learning for Life looked at what's going on in a toddler's world and how to help them through the transition from baby to preschooler.Segments may be viewed online:

	The Transition from Infant to Toddler: A baby's transition from infant to toddler can be an exciting but also scary time for parents. They're constantly on the move and talking up a storm, but do you always understand what's going on with them? Early learning expert Debra Sullivan, who heads up the Praxis Institute for Early Childhood Education, shares how to deal with your baby as they grow into the toddler stage.
	Toddler-Proofing Your Home: Making a home safe for a baby or toddler takes some thinking, and a lot of work. But one statistic shows you why it's necessary. One child dies every two weeks because of dangling cords from mini blinds or window shades.  It's a leading cause of child accidental death in the home. Learn how one Seattle family has made it their top project to make their home toddler safe.
	Preschool Prepares Children for Kindergarten: How seriously should parents consider preschool for their little ones, especially if they don't need to send their children to childcare? Early learning experts say a good preschool is the best possible preparation a child can have for kindergarten.
	What to anticipate in your toddler's first years: By their first birthday, children will usually be walking or close to it. They should have had at least one visit to the dentist. And they'll be trying different foods. But what are some issues parents should anticipate during this developmental period? Seattle Children's pediatrician Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson shares some insights.
	Creating a 'Circle of Security' for Children: Decades of research confirms that secure children exhibit increased empathy, greater self esteem, better relationships, enhanced school readiness and the ability to handle emotions more effectively when compared with children who are not secure. So how do we make sure our kids grow up to be secure, confident individuals? Kent Hoffman from the Marycliff Institute shares his work on a "circle of security."

Learn more about this month’s Learning for Life and watch segments from past Learning for Life series and specials on Thrive’s Web site.

KEY DATES & EXCITING EVENTS

Statewide Early Learning Plan: Feedback Deadline Extended

To help ensure communities have the chance to weigh in on our state’s draft Early Learning Plan, the Early Learning Advisory Council recently voted to move final adoption of the plan from March to June 2010.

 “We want the plan to be a solid blueprint for how to build a statewide early learning system in the years to come,” said Dr. Bette Hyde, director of the state Department of Early Learning. “That means we have to ensure that people in our state have had the opportunity to learn about the draft plan and offer input on it.”

Hyde and Thrive's president and CEO Nina Auerbach have met with key stakeholder groups in recent weeks to gather input on the draft plan, and will continue outreach to ensure the plan reflects the needs and strengths of communities in our state.

The state Department of Early Learning, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Thrive by Five Washington delivered the draft plan to Gov. Gregoire on Dec. 1. The three entities are working with partners to ensure broad outreach on the plan before it is finalized.

If you would like to host a meeting to gather input on the plan, please e-mail communications@del.wa.gov for information and tools.  

Meetings Now Under Way for Seattle Youth & Families Initiative

Live in Seattle? Then Mayor McGinn invites you to participate in the Youth and Families Initiative - an opportunity to talk about what Seattle residents want for their kids and how best to create a healthy, positive and equitable environment for all families in the city.
 
The co-chairs of the new Initiative are former Mayor Norm Rice, former deputy mayor Bob Watt (and current Thrive by Five Washington Board Member) and Estela Ortega, Executive Director at El Centro de la Raza.
 
The first of five public meetings was held at the Rainier Community Center on Feb. 22. Upcoming meeting dates include:

Activities for kids older than three years of age and light refreshments will be provided at each meeting.
 
Learn more at http://youthandfamilies.seattle.gov.

Join Thrive and Department of Early Learning Leaders for a Discussion After Foundation for Early Learning Luncheon

Nina Auerbach, president and CEO of Thrive by Five Washington, and Bette Hyde, director of the state Department of Early Learning will host a discussion on early learning issues after the Foundation for Early Learning’s 10th Anniversary Luncheon on Friday, March 5.

This community discussion from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. is a special opportunity for you to talk with two influential leaders in early learning. The event is free and open to all luncheon guests.

To learn more about or reserve seats for the luncheon and the post-luncheon discussion, please visit www.earlylearning.org/luncheon.

RSVP in advance when purchasing your luncheon ticket. If you've already reserved your luncheon seat, RSVP to rsvp@earlylearning.org.

CHAMPIONS IN ACTION

Highlights from Early Learning Coalitions 

Thrive by Five Washington works with 10 early learning coalitions around the state of Washington to promote quality early learning and help facilitate early learning systems to help ensure all children enter Kindergarten ready to learn and succeed in school.

Here is a look at some of the exciting work that has happened recently in three of the coalitions:

First 5 FUNdamentals of Pierce County held a community meeting in the Sumner school district to gather input on the draft of the statewide Early Learning Plan. Community members had the opportunity to share input and discuss the barriers, struggles and successes in early learning in their area with Dr. Bette Hyde, director of the state Department of Early Learning; Kelly Phanco, executive director of First Five FUNdamentals of Pierce County; and Dr. Gil Mendoza, superintendent of the Sumner School District.

The Partnership for Children and Families was pleased that early learning was featured on the front page of The Wenatchee World in an article highlighting Play and Learn preschool sessions in Peshastin, Leavenworth and Monitor. There is no charge for the 90-minute drop-in sessions. A parent or caretaker is required to stay during the session and encouraged to play with the children. The program started in 2007 to help support families who may not be able to afford to send their children to preschool some of the advantages of preschool. Classes serve between 10 and 20 students.  Read the full article here.

SELF (Support for Early Learning and Families) would like to invite you to its first annual conference, “Through the Eyes of a Child.”

The conference, scheduled for June 4 and 5 in Vancouver, Wash, will kick off with a fundraising breakfast and offer presentations and discussion sessions that will benefit both partners, child care providers and the general public who seek to better understand early learning.

PARTNER RESOURCES

Grant Allows Children’s Home Society of Washington to Expand Early Head Start

More than 100 children in poverty will now get the benefits of the Early Head Start Program thanks to an almost $1 million grant recently awarded to Children’s Home Society of Washington.

The $933,171 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services means that Children’s Home Society will be able to expand services to children and families in North King County, South King County and Walla Walla – all communities with a significantly high percentage of children who live below the federal poverty level. In addition to allowing more children in underserved areas to be reached, the funds will improve childcare centers, build partnerships and create jobs.

This is the first time in more than a decade that the Early Head Start program has expanded. Children’s Home Society will now serve a total of 312 children through Early Head Start.

Learn more about Children’s Home Society of Washington and Early Head Start.

Enrollment Period for Guaranteed Education Tuition Program Closes Soon

Guarantee your child's college tuition with Washington's Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program. GET is a 529 prepaid tuition plan - backed by state law and a secure place for college savings. The state guarantees your GET units will keep pace with rising tuition costs, no matter how much they increase in the future. Along with flexible payment plans, GET also offers tax-free growth and withdrawal.

GET units can be used nationwide at nearly any college, university or vocational school.

To take advantage of this year’s rates, you must enroll by March 31, 2010. The new enrollment year will begin in September. For details and to enroll online, visit www.get.wa.gov.  Questions?  Call 1-800-955-2318 or visit www.get.wa.gov.