![The Leaf, Issue 2]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1587429874/psesdorg/eicerj6h8npbwahycecy/48642721173_93f1cf8737_c.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1587429874/psesdorg/eicerj6h8npbwahycecy/48642721173_93f1cf8737_c.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1587429874/psesdorg/eicerj6h8npbwahycecy/48642721173_93f1cf8737_c.jpg","width":799}])
New Executive Director, Educare Graduation, Back to School, and more!
Welcome to the official newsletter of
LEARNING COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION AND EDUCARE SEATTLE!
We welcome donors, families, staff and our local community to join us in creating opportunities in early education!
The Learning Communities Foundation (LCF) was established to support the work of Puget Sound Education Service District by enhancing the quality of programs and services provided through Educare Seattle and more. Given that the primary focus of the LCF is to create financial sustainability for Educare, we feel it is important that our donors, families and community members receive quarterly updates about Educare as well as LCF.
Our hope is that this newsletter will provide you with a way to stay connected to us, as we bring you exciting news, upcoming events and program updates, as well as opportunities to continue to be involved in our efforts as an organization. Our hope is that you share this good news with others, as we extend and grow our village of support.
We are forever grateful for the ways that you continuously advocate for equity in early learning.
Warmly,
Wendy Armour
Director
Learning Communities Foundation
We are thrilled to introduce Laura McAlister as the new Executive Director of our Seattle Educare program!
She will also oversee the P-3 Campus work in partnership with Heritage Head Start at Seola Gardens and Eli Creekmore sites and the Highline School District ECEAP program at White Center Heights Elementary.
Laura comes to PSESD & Educare Seattle with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the early learning field across many different roles.
She is well-versed in all things related to high quality childcare as the co-founder of Sound Child Care Solutions, a groundbreaking and nationally recognized shared services model in early childhood development and service delivery. Laura is also very familiar with the Educare Seattle Model and has followed the development of Educare Seattle at the national level since its inception.
Laura brings extensive experience in systems development, personnel and budgeting, compliance, grant writing and fund development, and strategic thinking and planning.
She is also thoroughly grounded in prenatal, infant, and child development, and has experience Most recently, she has served as the Facilities Expert for the Region X Office of Head Start. Laura also demonstrates a strong commitment to our agency End and goal of leading with racial equity and closing the opportunity gap.
She is excited to bring her skills, experience and creativity to this position and looks forward to engaging in collaboration and partnership with the community, parents, and Educare Seattle & Heritage staff in leading the Prenatal to 3rd Grade Campus work.
As a resident of White Center, Laura is particularly thrilled to be able to work and serve in the very community that she calls home.
Who:
Head Start children (classrooms 5-9) and their friends and family came together to celebrate the school year coming to a close.
What:
The end of the year celebration consisted of each classroom coming out onto a stage in front of all their family and friends and sing a class song. After the song and certifications that the children received there were cupcakes and tasty snacks for everyone. To capture the moment there was a photo booth set up with fun props.
Where:
The celebration was held at Educare Seattle, in the lobby and multipurpose room.
When:
August 9th, the second to last week of school.
Why:
This celebration was a time for family and friends to come support there their child’s success and to celebrate finishing the year. Some of the children were graduating from Educare and moving on to kindergarten next year, so this was a great time to acknowledge their child's accomplishments.
The PSESD Giving Committee along with learning Communities Foundation held a back to school drive to benefit Educare Seattle, and almost $300 dollars was raised along with over 4 tubs of food and supplies donated.
Many of our children and families have barriers that prevent them from having all the supplies they need to be successful at school, including nutritious meals
Enrollment is now open for fall, it's time to prioritize our families and
prepare for the year!
Educare Seattle is a comprehensive early learning program based in White Center, serving children from birth to age five who face barriers to accessing high quality early learning. We serve as a resource center for families with early learners, and a training and learning hub for early learning providers.
"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."
-Maria Montessori
The Learning Communities Foundation is dedicated to raising funds to meet the critical needs of children and families through the services of Educare Seattle. We are a tax exempt organization; all donations are tax deductible! Help us in our quest to make sure all kids have access to high quality early learning education- donate now!