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Early Learning Presentation August 18, 2008. Thrive by Five/WCELI “White Center Early Learning Initiative” Terri LePenske, Executive Director Student Support Services Highline School District. Thrive by Five. More than 80,000 children are born each year in Washington State:
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Early Learning PresentationAugust 18, 2008 Thrive by Five/WCELI “White Center Early Learning Initiative” Terri LePenske, Executive Director Student Support Services Highline School District
Thrive by Five More than 80,000 children are born each year in Washington State: • More than half of these children will begin kindergarten lacking the basic cognitive, social, language, physical, or emotional skills needed for success in life • Sadly, many children who start behind stay behind
Thrive by Five History • 2005, Governor Gregoire and Washington State Legislature • November 2006, Washington Learns
Thrive by Five - Outcomes Goal: • School Readiness Approach: • Create high-quality early learning environments • Home • Family, friends & neighbors
Thrive by Five - Outcomes Tactics: • Thrive communities • Exemplary practices • Statewide infrastructure • Community education • Pooled funding • Aligned funding
White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI) The White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI) is a partnership of community members and public and private organizations: • Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is the lead agency • WCELI is one of two demonstration Community Projects: • White Center and Yakima
White Center Early Learning Initiative Timelines August 2006 - March 2007 • Focus groups • Community advisory • Visitations of Educare sites • Define scope, specific steps/strategies
White Center Early Learning Initiative Timelines April 2007 • Proposed key services: • Early learning hub • Home based early learning services • Quality improvement services • Community wide early learning activities • Staff training • School connections
White Center Early Learning Initiative Timelines May 2007 to present • Capital funding campaign • Hire WCELI Executive Director, Stephan Blanford • Scope, specific steps/strategies