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Our Vision: All children have high quality early care and learning experiences that support optimal growth and development leading to success in school and life.
Northwest Early Learning is made up of members from: Partners for Young Children in Island County Contact Bess Windecker-Nelson, besswn@whidbey.com or call 360-320-0595
San Juan County Early Learning Consortium Contact Joyce Sobel, jsobel54@gmail.com or call 360-378-4921
Children’s Council of Skagit County Contact Mary Ellen Lykins, maryellen.lykins@skagit.edu or call 360-416-7590
Snohomish County Early Learning Coalition Contact Elaine Larson, elaine_larson@oppco.org or call 360-534-3651 or Sue Venable at 425-778-3197
Whatcom Early Learning Alliance Contact Jessica Sankey, coordinator@whatcomearlylearning.org
Learn more about how you can join!
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Washington’s Early Learning Plan Ready & Successful Framework Comprehensive Early Learning Equation: Ready & Successful Children Ready & Successful Parents, Families & Caregivers Ready & Successful Early Learning Professionals Ready & Successful Schools Ready & Successful Systems & Communities
= Ready & Successful State, Region, Counties The Washington Early Learning Plan is integrated into our NW Early Learning regional coalition as well as each of the counties’ early learning coalitions, as a roadmap to build a comprehensive, coordinated, effective, measurable, and accessible early learning system. Find the ELP at http://www.del.wa.gov/partnerships/elac/elp.aspx
The Vision of Department of Early Learning In Washington, we work together so that all children start life with a solid foundation for success, based on strong families and a world-class early learning system for all children prenatal through third grade. Accessible, accountable, and developmentally and culturally appropriate, our system partners with families to ensure that every child is healthy, capable and confident in school and in life.
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Ready & Successful CHILDREN Report Data Indicator Under 5 population Children under 6 in extreme poverty Uninsured children under 18 Children served by Children's Case Management Children in Foster Care Children in 8th grade with depressive symptoms
Island 5,336 8.30% 8.90% 6.10%
San Juan 569 * * 4.10%
Skagit Snohomish 7,499 50,682 5.90% 4.40% 4.10% 5.20% 7.90% 6.30%
Whatcom 11,678 7.40% 3.10% 7.80%
State 444,710 8.10% 6.40% 7.20%
82 26%
8 24%
203 27%
923 25%
321 24%
10,135 26%
Number of slots in licensed child care (family homes & centers) Number of slots in ECEAP (state-funded preschool) Number of slots in Head Start (HS) Children served by Early Support for Infants & Toddlers thru DEL
918
213
2,603
15,655
3,398
158,451
108
38
106
996
72
8,741
58 88
15 6
275 78
472 643
245 161
11,279 11,165
* San Juan county 36.2% of children are Medicaid eligible (MCH Databook) Please refer to the Sources & Glossary for dates and definitions.
Highlights Across our region: • 570 children have a kindergarten teacher who will know them before they come to class because their PreK teacher shared information via the Regional PreK-K Transition Form. • 5,484 children are served in a licensed child care that is voluntarily enrolled in quality improvement (Early Achievers). • ~33% of children are in a PreK program that is licensed by the state (licensed child care, ECEAP and Head Start). • 29,011 children are in districts using P-3 Literacy Alignment instruction. • 289 children are served through the Infant/Toddler Project. 4
Ready & Successful PARENTS, FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS
Report Data Indicator Median family income (with kids) Unemployment Families enrolled in Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Families using food stamps Free & Reduced Lunch applications Basic Food Program Children between 0-8 years of age identified as migrant Teen birth rate/per 1,000 Teen pregnancy/per 1,000 Number of slots in Early Head Start
Island $61,138 9.10% 3,251
San Juan * 6.90% 366
Skagit Snohomish $48,817 $71,656 9.90% 9.50% 6,774 24,974
13.40% 40% 15%
* 44% 15%
22.30% 55% 33%
20 16 29 14
10 22 27 0
926 39 54 63
Whatcom $64,140 8.30% 7,423
State $64,273 9.20% 322,047
13.30% 39% 19%
16.40% 43% 27%
18% 46% 26%
275 20 34 112
482 18 29 36
17,610 27 42 2,461
* San Juan County median household income is slightly lower than state average; 11.1% of population is at or below the federal poverty level; 20% of children live below FPL (2012) Please refer to the Sources & Glossary for dates and definitions.
Highlights Across our region: • 206 families participated in an evidenced-based home-visiting program in the first year of their baby’s life. • 570 families participated in their child’s transition to kindergarten through the Regional PreK-K Transition form. • 1,800 families received materials supporting Love. Talk. Play. 5
Ready & Successful EARLY LEARNING PROFESSIONALS
Report Data Indicator Children under 6 with all parents in the workforce Licensed child care providers Number of slots in licensed child care (family homes & centers) Licensed providers enrolled in Early Achievers thru CCA PreK programs engaged in P-3 Literacy Alignment thru ESDs Licensed providers funded to participate in Infant/Toddler Project thru DEL Children served by Early Support for Infants & Toddlers thru DEL
Island 53.40%
San Juan *
Skagit Snohomish 54.90% 59.20%
Whatcom 60.60%
State 60.10%
50 918
7 213
121 2,603
593 15,655
131 3,398
6,053 158,451
5
3
22
55
17
1,461
9
9
23
11
22
*
7
6
8
10
9
279
88
6
78
643
161
11,165
* Not available Please refer to the Sources & Glossary for dates and definitions.
Highlights Across our region: • 590 early learning professionals completed Regional PreK-K Transition Forms. • 216 early learning professionals have participated in at least one quality improvement program (i.e., EA, I/T Project, P-3 Literacy Alignment). • 941 students are currently enrolled in early childhood education programs of study in the NW region’s accredited institutions of higher education. • Fall enrollment of early learning programs into Early Achievers exceeded the state expectations by 240%. 6
Ready & Successful SCHOOLS
Report Data Indicator Number of school districts WaKIDS participant districts Participate in P-3 Literacy Alignment K-12 enrollment, public schools Kindergarten enrollment, public schools 3rd graders meeting or exceeding state reading standards 3rd graders meeting or exceeding state math standards 8th graders meeting or exceeding state reading standards 8th graders meeting or exceeding state math standards On-time graduation rate Annual dropout rate
Island 3 2 3 8,399 625
San Juan 4 3 1 1,786 143
Skagit Snohomish 7 14 6 9 6 6 18,878 109,176 1,434 7,975
Whatcom State 7 286 5 191 7 * 27,161 1,047,368 1,977 81,249
69%
79%
66%
71%
71%
69%
63%
74%
55%
68%
63%
65%
71%
81%
66%
69%
72%
67%
54%
72%
55%
57%
58%
55%
78% 2.90%
80% 3.50%
71% 5.10%
74% 3.90%
77% 3.50%
75% 4.40%
* Not available Please refer to the Sources & Glossary for dates and definitions.
Highlights Across our region: • 13 districts received the Regional PreK-K Transition Forms. • 9 districts voluntarily enrolled into WaKIDS early. • The number of schools involved in WaKIDS grew 417% from 2012 to 2013. 7
Ready & Successful SYSTEMS & COMMUNITIES There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children. –Nelson Mandela
Highlights Across our region: • More than 40 community programs (i.e. WIC and public libraries) helped to promote Love.Talk.Play. • 149 community leaders and early learning advocates attended NWEL’s Early Learning Brunch in 2012. • 12,395 Kindergarten Readiness Calendars were distributed by regional United Ways and printed with funding from Boeing. • 100% of county early learning coalitions hosted at least one event to celebrate children & families. • 100% of coalitions were represented at 2013 Starting Strong P-3 Institute. • 100% of county early learning coalitions have early learning priorities aligned with state & region. • 100% of our regional coalitions advocate for children, families and early learning professionals. 8
Call to Action YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU! There are many ways to contribute. Which appeal to you?
Show up for children and families (volunteer at local events, in classrooms and programs, pass along announcements). Share resources (time, talents, data, money). Vote for issues and candidates (from legislators to school board members) that support children and families. Advocate for early learning (at your church, service organization, in your neighborhood). Attend county early learning coalition meetings. Other ideas?
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. -Anne Frank
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Sources & Glossary (Indicators are listed by data source in the order they are referenced in report tables)
Purple cells: Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Center (dates vary by indicator). Under 5 population: Estimated number and share of child population ages 0-4 years. Data Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). Detailed Tables of April 1 Population Estimates by County by Age, Gender, Race, and Hispanic Origin: 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 are available online at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/pop/race/default.asp. Data were retrieved February 2011 from http://www.ofm.wa.gov/pop/race/default.asp. Numbers and percentages are suppressed when the number of under 5 child population is 10 or fewer per racial/ethnic category per county. Extreme Poverty: The number and share of children under age 6 who live in families with incomes less than 50% of the federal poverty level, as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. The federal poverty definition consists of a series of thresholds based on family size and composition. In 2009, 50% of the poverty threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $11,057. Data Source: The U.S. Census Bureau's American Fact Finder, 2005-2007, 2006-2008, 2007-2009, and 2008-2010 American Community Survey (ACS) 3-Year Estimates. Data were retrieved from: http://factfinder2.census.gov (Table B17024). Children’s Case Management: Children's Case Management services are provided to children under 18 years of age and their families and include Adoption and Adoption Support, Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services, Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), and Family Voluntary Services. Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Research and Data Analysis (RDA), Client Services Database, which compiles client service and expenditures records from more than 20 of the agency's client record and payment systems. The figures reported are also referred to as “user rates” in their annual report. Data were retrieved May 2012 from http://www.dshs.wa.gov/rda/research/clientdata/default.shtm. Foster Care: According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), “Foster Care Placement Services are provided when children need short-term or temporary protection because they are abused, neglected, and/or involved in family conflict. The goal of Foster Care Placement Services is to return children to their homes or to find another permanent home as early as possible. Children are served in out-of-home placements exclusively. Placement types include traditional Foster Care Placements as well as placements in Family Receiving Homes. Client counts for Foster Care Placement Services include only the children being served, not their families. Children receiving Foster Care Placement Services are served exclusively in out-of-home settings. Foster Care Placement Services may be provided without prior Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement.” Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Research and Data Analysis (RDA), Client Services Database which compiles client service and expenditures records from more than 20 of the agency's client record and payment systems. The figures reported are also referred to as “user rates” in their annual report. Data were retrieved February 2012 from http://www.dshs.wa.gov/rda/research/clientdata/default.shtm. Median Family Income: Based on the annual income of all members within the family, the median income is the dollar amount at which half of all families in the area have more income and half have less. The state-level and county-level figures reported are one-year estimates. All figures appear in inflation-adjusted dollars for that year. A family includes a householder and one or more people living in the same household who are
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related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. All people in a household who are related to the householder are regarded as members of his or her family. According to the American Community Survey (ACS) subject definitions guide (http://www.census.gov/acs/www/UseData/Def.htm) a household contains only one family in the published tabulations. Data Source: The data used for this measure come from the American Community Survey (ACS) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Data can be found through “American Fact Finder." Data were retrieved on October 1, 2012 from http://factfinder2.census.gov/ (Table GCT1902). Unemployment: The number of people ages 16 and over who are without a job but are actively looking for one. The unemployment rate is the number of unemployed as a percent of the entire civilian labor force. The civilian labor force (the denominator) includes persons who are employed and those who are unemployed but looking for work. The state-level and county- level annual figures reported for 2010 and earlier years are seasonally adjusted, and span 12 months. Data Source: The data used for this measure come from the Labor Market and Economic Analysis Branch of Washington State Employment Security Department. Data were retrieved February 2012 from https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/employmentdata/reports-publications/regional-reports/local-unemploymentstatistics. Food Stamps: The number and percent of households with children under 18 years old that received food stamps in the past 12 months. Eligibility for Washington State’s Basic Food Stamp Program is based on gross monthly income, household size, and monthly expenses. Benefits are provided to individuals and families with gross incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. All figures are for households with children under the age of 18. Data Source: The U.S. Census Bureau's American Fact Finder, 2005-2007, 2006-2008, 2007-2009, and 2008-2010 American Community Survey (ACS) 3-Year Estimates. Data were retrieved from: http://factfinder2.census.gov (Table C22002). For more information on food stamp eligibility please see: http://foodhelp.wa.gov/basic_food.htm. Free & Reduced Lunch: The number and percent of students enrolled in public K-12 schools who applied for free or reduced price meals at their school. The federal income eligibility guidelines are 135% Federal Poverty Level (poverty guide) for free school meals, and 185% Federal Poverty Level for reduced price school meals. These guidelines are available at http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/notices/iegs/IEGs.htm. Data Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Child Nutrition Services. The sources of this data are the annual October headcounts February 2012 from http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition/StatisticsReports.aspx. Basic Food Program: Number and percent of children under age 18 who are served by the Basic Food Program. "Basic Food provides benefits to individuals and families with incomes below 130 percent of federal poverty and whose resources are below established limits. Effective October 2008, eligibility for Food Assistance increased to include individuals and families with income up to 200 percent of Federal Poverty Level. Data Source: Client counts come from the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Research and Data Analysis, Client Services Database which compiles client service and expenditures records from more than 20 of the agency's client record and payment systems. The figures reported here are also referred to as “user rates” in their annual report. Data were retrieved September 2011 from http://www.dshs.wa.gov/rda/research/clientdata/default.shtm.
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Teen Birth/Pregnancy: Births to teenagers ages 15-17. Rate is per 1,000 females in this age group. Data Source: The data used for this measure come from Center for Health Statistics, Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Data were downloaded January 2012 from Natality Table A10 at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehsphl/chs/chs-data/birth/bir_vd.htm Pregnancy: Teenagers 15 through 19 years of age who were pregnant, regardless of marital status. Pregnancy outcomes could be live births, abortions, or fetal deaths. Therefore, total pregnancy equals the sum of live births, abortions, and fetal deaths. Rates represent the number of pregnancies to 15-19 year old women per 1,000 women of this age group. Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Center for Health Statistics, Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Data are available online at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehsphl/chs/chsdata/abortion/abormain.htm (Abortion/Pregnancy Data Tables 16 and 17). Parent in the Workforce: The percent of children under 6 years old with all parents in the workforce. Data Source: The U.S. Census Bureau's American Fact Finder, 2005-2007, 2006-2008, 2007-2009, and 2008-2010 American Community Survey (ACS) 3-Year Estimates. Data were retrieved from: http://factfinder2.census.gov (Table GCT2302). K-12 Enrollment: Students enrolled in the K-12 public school system disaggregated by gender. Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Data were retrieved at http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/Reports.asp using the OSPI 1251H head count average for the 2012-13 school year. State Reading & Math Standards: The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is a test that reflects student knowledge based on the state’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). The WASL was administered to students in grades 3 through 10 from 1997 to 2009. It was replaced in 2009 by the state’s Measures of Student Progress (MSP) and the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE). WASL test scores: The percentage of third graders meeting WASL/MSP reading test standards for the school year. Estimates through 2008-09 refer to WASL test scores. Estimates after 2008-09 refer to MSP test scores. WASL was given as the state assessment from spring 1997 to summer 2009. It was replaced by the MSP and HSPE. Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Data were retrieved on October 2012 from the data files "MSP/HSPE Scores by District" and "MSP/HSPE Scores by State" (http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/DataDownload.aspx?schoolId=1&OrgTypeId=1&reportLevel=State&or gLinkId=). Additional data on test scores can be found through The Washington State Education and Research Data Center (ERDC) http://www.erdc.wa.gov/ and the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) http://www.k12.wa.us/DataAdmin/default.aspx. More information can be found online at: http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/. County data were created by aggregating district-level results. County totals do not include school districts where fewer than 10 students were tested. On-time Graduation Rates: The percentage of students who graduated from high school in four years after they started the ninth grade. A student graduates on-time if he/she receives a high school diploma within four years of starting 9th grade. Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Data were retrieved from "Graduation and Drop out Statistics" reports, and Appendices A and D at http://www.k12.wa.us/dataadmin/.
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Annual Dropout Rate: The percentage of students enrolled in grades 9-12 who dropped out of school in the reporting year without completing an approved high school program. Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Data were retrieved from "Graduation and Drop out Statistics" reports, and Appendix A and D at http://www.k12.wa.us/dataadmin/. Data have been suppressed due to low numbers. Data were suppressed if the enrollment of students served in any of the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade was 10 or less. Data last updated in May 2012 by Washington KIDS COUNT. Blue cells: Healthy Youth Survey, 2012. Depressive Symptoms: Feeling sad, hopeless or helpless to such an extent it effects your daily activities every day for two or more weeks at some point in the past year. Yellow cells: Child Care Aware 2013. County numbers do not include Military Child Care Centers, Summer Camps and Exempt Preschool Programs but state numbers do include non-Department of Early Learninglicensed Military and Tribal providers, but not preschool or exempt school-age programs. Licensed Child Care: Centers and family homes granted by Department of Early Learning. Race to the Top—Early Learning Challenge Grant: “The Race to the Top—Early Learning Challenge encourages states to develop bold and comprehensive plans for raising the quality of early learning programs across America." –U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Race to the Top—Early Learning Challenge grants were awarded to states that are leading the way with ambitious yet achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling and comprehensive early learning education reform. Early Achievers: Washington’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, is a voluntary program that empowers early learning professionals through coaching and resources to provide high quality care that supports each child’s learning and development so they are prepared to be successful in school and life. Intended audience: Licensed Child Care Providers, Head Start and ECEAP programs, families, guardians and community advocates and stakeholders. Orange cells: Washington State Association for Head Start and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) 2013/2014. Statewide total for Early Head Start, 2012/13. ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program): Comprehensive preschool programs that provide free services and support to eligible children and their families. The goal is to help ensure all Washington children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. The programs include: early learning preschool; family support and parent involvement; child health coordination and nutrition. ECEAP is a state-funded preschool and accepts families at or below 110% of the Federal Poverty Level. Head Start: Comprehensive preschool programs that provide free services and support to eligible children and their families. Head Start is federally-funded, with at least 90% of enrolled families who must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Priority is given to families at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level; maximum 35% can be between 100 and 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Early Head Start: Provides early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers and their families, and pregnant women and their families.
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Green cells: Department of Early Learning, 2012. Early Support for Infants & Toddlers: Department of Early Learning provides services to children birth to three who have disabilities and/or developmental delays. Eligible infants and toddlers and their families are entitled to individualized, quality early intervention services in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. An Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed with family input. Early intervention services during the first years can make a big difference in a child’s life. Pink cells: Washington State Department of Health, 2012. Women, Infants & Children: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Bright blue cells: Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction, 2012/13 school year. Kindergarten Enrollment: Students enrolled in public Kindergarten. Data Source: Data for this measure come from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Data were retrieved at http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/Reports.asp using the OSPI 1251H head count average for the 2012/13 school year. Migrant (Child): A child whose a parent or guardian is a migratory agricultural worker or a migratory fisher; and who has moved across district boundaries within the preceding 36 months to accompany or join the migratory agricultural worker or migratory fisher who has moved for work purposes. Data Source: Washington State Migrant Database at the Migrant Data and Recruitment Office https://www.msdr.org. WaKIDS: The Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) is a process that helps to ensure a successful start to the K-12 experience. WaKIDS has three components: Family Connection welcomes families into the K-12 system as partners in their child’s education, Whole-Child Assessment gives kindergarten teachers information about the social and emotional, physical, cognitive and linguistic development of the children in their classrooms and Early Learning Collaboration, which aligns practices of early learning professionals and kindergarten teachers to support smooth transitions for children. Data Source: Numbers of WaKIDS participant districts are based on preliminary information from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and includes those that voluntarily adopted into the program early (before they are required by the state). Brown cells: Northwest Educational Service District 189, 2012/13 P-3 Literacy Alignment Project: A comprehensive education reform strategy with compelling evidence that strong investments in the early learning years, PreK - 3rd grade, have significant implications for ensuring all students graduate from school with the skills, knowledge and behaviors needed for any and all career and college pathways. Through the Regional P-3 Literacy Alignment initiative, over 1,200 educators from PreK - 3rd grade have been engaged in a wide-spread, collaborative approach to joint professional development, a shared transition process and resources for maintaining and scaling alignment both within and across programs and districts.
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The Regional PreK-K Transition Form: A transitional document that shared between community PreK providers and kindergarten teachers, which represents a growing collaboration based on common professional development, shared expectations and aligned instructional approaches. The Transition Form is intended to maintain common understandings and shared practices (alignment) between PreK providers and K teachers established through joint professional development, to provide a means of communicating children’s developmental progress as they leave PreK and enter kindergarten, to help schools meet the needs of incoming students and to grow the number of PreK and K teachers working in collaboration. Love. Talk. Play.: A campaign which aims to surround parents of children birth to age three with simple messages about three key things all parents can and need to be doing with their children every day: love, talk and play. Infant/Toddler Project: A monthly consultation service provided to licensed center and home-based child care providers serving infants and toddlers. The goal is to support caregivers in expanding high quality care for very young children and their families. Statewide, the Infant & Toddler Childcare Consultation Project has provided 2,092 hours of consultation in the first year of the project. Funding for additional services in 2013/14 has been secured but the number of providers to be served in each county is not yet known. The statewide number of licensed providers funded to participate in Infant/Toddler Project is based upon the Estimated Outputs for the total number of providers to be served across all Infant/Toddler Regions for2012/13. Starting Strong P-3 Institute: Annual conference that brings together early learning professionals and K-12 educators for discussions about innovation and alignment between systems. Attendees range from superintendents, principals, K-3 teachers, child care providers, parents and community agency partners and staff.
Additional Highlight Definition: Institution of Higher Education in NW Region: Bellingham Technical College, Edmonds Community College, Everett Community College, Northwest Indian College, Skagit Valley College, Whatcom Community College, Western Washington University.
Acknowledgements
This report was made possible with funding from Thrive by Five Washington. Northwest Early Learning would like to thank Thrive for its support of early learning and Regional Coalitions across Washington State.
Northwest Educational Service District 189 is the fiscal sponsor of Northwest Early Learning.
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