Department of Education & Early Learning Summer 2022 Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 07/11/2022 02:48 PM PDT

Summer 2022 Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 2

Families, Education, Preschool & Promise Levy

DEEL Partners with Community Organizations to Provide High-Quality Summer Learning for Seattle Youth

For the second consecutive year, DEEL has invested $1 million in FEPP Levy funds in community-based summer programs to support student learning in response to COVID-19. This year, 19 organizations received awards up to $75,000 to provide academic opportunities, college and career exploration, and social-emotional learning for more than 1,400 youth. Programs will serve youth disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities and disruptions to learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about summer programs on the DEEL blog.

Investment and Program Features

Tiny Tots Development Center Celebrates Opening of New Childcare Facility in Othello

Funded in part by DEEL’s Seattle Preschool Program Facilities funds, the new facility will provide will two new preschool classrooms, infant and toddler rooms, and 80 new child care slots.

DEEL Releases Third Round of Funding in Support of Child Care Providers, in Partnership with King County

DEEL Releases Third Round of Funding for Child Care Providers, in Partnership with King County

DEEL and King County announced $7.4M in one-time retention payments for child care workers, anticipated to reach more than 9,000 child care workers countywide.

FEPP Levy Year 2 Report for the 2020-2021 School Year

DEEL Releases FEPP Levy Year 2 Report for 2020-2021 School Year

This year’s report illustrates how levy-supported school and community partners focused FEPP investments on students and communities that faced the greatest challenges from the pandemic and celebrates their innovative work to support student success and wellness during an especially difficult school year.

Celebrating Graduates of the Academy for Rising Educators Program

Celebrating the Second Cohort of Rising Educators of Color

On June 25, DEEL joined Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Colleges to honor 21 graduates of the Academy for Rising Educators program, a teaching certification pathway for aspiring educators of color planning to teach at Seattle Public Schools.

Department Features

Two Cleveland High School graduates smile as they exit the commencement stage with diplomas in hand.

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

This June, nearly 2,400 Seattle Public Schools seniors across 17 high schools took to the stage for commencement. DEEL is overjoyed to see these bright young people transitioning to the next step in their education or career journey. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement! Visit this link to view recordings of graduation ceremonies held at Memorial Stadium.

DEEL Staff Spotlight: Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Education Specialist Team

Top Row from L-to-R: Frances Nguyen, Education Specialist; Fartun Nur, Education Specialist; Danelle Marie, Education Specialist. Bottom Row from L-to-R: Deadru Hilliard, Education Specialist; Suzette Espinoza-Cruz, Senior Education Specialist; Melissa Bookwalter, Child Care Program Manager.

Within the Department of Education and Early Learning, a team of Education Specialists support child care providers partnering with the City of Seattle as part of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Many of Seattle’s child care businesses, including both home-based and center-based care, are owned and operated by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, or refugee women of color, and DEEL’s CCAP Education Specialists work closely with these providers to improve their experience contracting with the City. Education Specialists (or Ed Specs, as they are sometimes referred to) work closely with DEEL’s Change Team, part of the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative, to advance equity in child care by providing resources and technical assistance to navigate systemic barriers and building greater access to high-quality, affordable childcare for Seattle families.

COVID-19 Updates and Vaccines for Youth Ages 5+

DEEL’s Handbook for Health Heroes Now Available In Several Languages

In partnership with Public Health - Seattle & King County and Seattle Public Schools, DEEL created a fully-illustrated comic book titled Handbook for Health Heroes that answers common questions families have about COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-11. Visit this link to view the comic English, Spanish, French, Somali, and Vietnamese!

Request Printed Copies To Distribute To Your Community

DEEL distributed 5,600 vaccine comics to Seattle Public Schools for students attending elementary schools with vaccination rates below 60%. Today, printed copies are available in bulk quantities for community partners upon request. Fill out this short form to request printed copies of the comic book for distribution to families in your community.

Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Resources

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best tool to help keep our schools and communities safe. As of June 21, children age 6 months and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Please visit Public Health – Seattle & King County’s website for current information and resources about COVID-19.

Student and Family Resources

Did you know many Seattle families qualify for free or subsidized preschool? Apply to SPP today at seattle.gov/applyspp.

Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) Enrollment is Open Now!

SPP provides families with affordable, high-quality preschool for all 3- and 4-year- olds living in Seattle. In-person classes are in session now. The enrollment period for the 2022-2023 preschool year is open now, and classes begin in September. Learn more and apply at seattle.gov/applyspp.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

CCAP helps cover child care costs for children ages one month to 12 years old for income-eligible families living in Seattle. Families receive a monthly voucher for child care that can be used at any one of the more than 200 participating CCAP providers in the city. For more information, visit seattle.gov/ccap.

Seattle Promise - Earn a degree, tuition free. Apply today at seattlecolleges.edu/promise.

Summer Bridge Registration Is Open for Incoming Seattle Promise Scholars

Summer Bridge is a required orientation that provides new Seattle Promise scholars with tools and skills that promote college success. This year, Summer Bridge will be hosted in person on September 13 and 14, with the option to attend virtually on September 19. Sign up to reserve your seat today.

Employment Opportunities

Join our team as Early Learning Division Director! Apply by July 19.

DEEL is hiring for an Early Learning Division Director! To join our team, apply by July 19.

DEEL is currently seeking an Early Learning Division Director who will oversee and direct the Early Learning Division, the largest division within the department. Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will direct and manage all of the City’s investments in early learning, develop strategic partnerships with key stakeholders (including early learning partners, advocates, labor unions, the local school district, other government entities, and elected officials), oversee the Division’s investment strategy as the early learning landscape continues to evolve, and develop policy and program proposals for the Mayor and City Council. Learn more about this position here and share with your networks!

Funding Opportunities

2022 Child Care Facilities RFP – Deadline Extended!

Seattle Human Services Department is seeking funding applications from preschool and child care for capital improvements to their sites to increase licensed capacity and serve more children from birth to five years old. Visit this link to learn more and apply by July 19.