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Early Learning Newsletter Feb 2024

In This Issue: 

• Early Learning Team News
• WaKIDS – In the News!
• Calling All Educators: Let's Build Strong TK/K Classrooms Together!
• PreK-3rd Grade Leadership Network
• Transition to Kindergarten
• Check out these grant opportunities!
• Have you seen this SEL resource?
• Early Learning Office Contact Information

Early Learning Team News

Congratulations, Yoona! Our Early Learning Data Specialist, Yoona Park, welcomed a healthy baby girl earlier this year! Sia Yoo was born on January 6, 2024 at 5:28 am. She measured 4lb 9oz and 16in at birth. Both mom and baby girl are doing well! Congratulations, Yoona!

WaKIDS – In the News!

Calling All Educators: Let's Build Strong TK/K Classrooms Together!

OSPI is launching the updated TK/K Best Practices Guide (formerly the FDK Guidebook) in summer 2024. OSPI is seeking administrator and educator input. Please fill out this Interest Form if you would like to review and provide feedback on the draft guidelines.  

PreK-3rd Grade Leadership Network

Transition to Kindergarten

Check out these grant opportunities!

ArtsWA Grant: The Creative Start Project supports projects that engage students from preschool to 3rd grade. The grant closes on February 23, 2024, access the link for additional information Creative Start Grant - ArtsWA

Early Learning Facilities Grant: The Early Learning Facilities program supports Washington’s commitment to developing additional high-quality early learning opportunities for children from low-income households. Please access the link for further information on the grant cycle for school districts. Community Capital Facilities - Early Learning Program (wa.gov)

Have you seen this SEL resource?

The Social-Emotional Learning Pathways Guide outlines the SEL framework. The guide includes a crosswalk with the Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines and GOLD® Objectives for Development & Learning, Birth Through Third Grade.

As an additional resource, the Pyramid Model Consortium offers a checklist of early childhood practices that support social emotional development and trauma-informed care.

Early Learning Office Contact Information

Samantha Bowen, Executive Director of Early Learning 
OSPI: 360-725-6161 | Email: samantha.bowen@k12.wa.us  

Alondra Mendoza, Administrative Assistant for Early Learning
OSPI: 360-725-6161 | Email:  alondra.mendoza@k12.wa.us or WaKIDS@k12.wa.us

Yoona Park, Early Learning Data Specialist
OSPI: 360-725-6180 | Email: yoona.park@k12.wa.us   

Latisha Conley, Early Learning Program Supervisor
OSPI: 564-669-4669 | Email: latisha.conley@k12.wa.us

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

Got questions? Ask OSPI!

OSPI has launched a new publication that invites all Washington residents to ask OSPI questions directly and get answers publicly. Called The Study Session, this publication is an opportunity for families and community members to engage with OSPI on all things public education. It is published once per month on the OSPI Blog. Click to learn more about The Study Session, including how to submit questions.