1. Early Learning Presentation August 18, 2008 Thrive by Five/WCELI “White Center Early Learning Initiative” Terri LePenske, Executive Director Student Support Services Highline School District

2. Thrive by Five More than 80,000 children are born each year in Washington State: More than half of these children will begin kindergarten lacking the basic cognitive, social, language, physical, or emotional skills needed for success in life Sadly, many children who start behind stay behind

3. Thrive by Five History 2005, Governor Gregoire and Washington State Legislature November 2006, Washington Learns

4. Thrive by Five - Outcomes Goal: School Readiness Approach: Create high-quality early learning environments Home Family, friends & neighbors

5. Thrive by Five - Outcomes Tactics: Thrive communities Exemplary practices Statewide infrastructure Community education Pooled funding Aligned funding

6. White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI) The White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI) is a partnership of community members and public and private organizations: Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is the lead agency WCELI is one of two demonstration Community Projects: White Center and Yakima

7. August 2006 - March 2007 Focus groups Community advisory Visitations of Educare sites Define scope, specific steps/strategies White Center Early Learning Initiative Timelines

8. April 2007 Proposed key services: Early learning hub Home based early learning services Quality improvement services Community wide early learning activities Staff training School connections White Center Early Learning Initiative Timelines

9. May 2007 to present Capital funding campaign Hire WCELI Executive Director, Stephan Blanford Scope, specific steps/strategies