The new year can provide an opportunity to reflect and reimagine our work. This year at the NWESD, the work in early learning feels especially poised for some incredible openings and possibilities.

This new work to support and expand Inclusive Transitional Kindergarten programming is exciting for a number of reasons:

  • It highlights the coordination and relationships in early learning spaces which are essential for building strong systems
  • It focuses on inclusion- creating spaces and practices that allow all children to learn with, and from, each other in affirming and supportive ways
  • It’s being led by some really phenomenal educators at the NWESD and districts throughout our region

The NWESD’s Inclusive Transitional Kindergarten team includes educators from Early Learning, Special Programs and Services, Inclusionary Practices, and Multi-tiered Systems of Support. Maureen Hodge, Rae Allen, Cassie Stevens, Abby Trimble, and Sarah Southard all bring unique perspectives and experiences to this work of building programs and services that expand access to high-quality, inclusive, and equitable early learning experiences. 

This incredible crew is working with a number of district teams to build a comprehensive understanding of:

  • The current landscape of early learning opportunities for the families in each community
  • The opportunity to coordinate and complement existing programs to improve that landscape in thoughtful and connected ways
  • The need for professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance in each district to support them with unique proactive and responsive support that will provide the greatest benefit to students and families

OSPI is providing financial, logistical, and leadership support for this work at the ESD and district levels. They have outlined the work in stages of implementation (aligned with implementation science) and are shepherding teams from around the state through the various stages with the help of their ESD colleagues. Four NWESD districts have already been awarded grants for this work and the team anticipates at least a few more will receive grants after the next application deadline of February 8th, 2022. And another opportunity for a grant will come in May.

The new year always provides an opportunity to imagine exciting new beginnings. This year at the NWESD, the work in early learning feels especially poised for some incredible openings and possibilities.

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