Encompass Northwest Programs
Encompass Early Learning Programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and include preschool classes for 3- and 4-year-olds as well as toddler playgroups. We offer preschool through the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for families who cannot afford to pay.
Pediatric Therapy and Birth-to-Three Early Intervention work in tandem. Birth-to-Three Early Intervention helps infants and toddlers with developmental delays through comprehensive services that include in-home therapy and assessment, family support and individualized programs for each child. Pediatric Therapy provides services on a fee-for-service basis for children from birth until age 18 who have a documented developmental delay and do not fit the age or disclosure requirements associated with Birth-to-Three Early Intervention.
Family Support and Parenting Education Programs help caregivers to provide a stable home environment and develop healthy, effective parenting skills. Our education programs teach parents to manage stress and anger, improve communication skills, develop realistic expectations and use positive discipline. For families who require more, family-support services help with accessing child and family counseling, state and federal aid, health-care and basic-needs services; and coordination of services with community agencies, school staff, counselors/therapists, and the state’s Child Protective Services.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Encompass is excited about its new Parent Advisory Council (PAC) which held its first meeting in December 2010. We formed the PAC in order to insure that we are truly serving the needs of our participants. During each meeting, group members participate in activities from the Parent Leadership Ambassador Training (PLAT) to help facilitate their role as leaders in our community. PAC members developed a work plan as well as a list of issues they would like to address and have created this mission statement:
“The Parent Advisory Council of Encompass enables parent leaders to mobilize ideas and dreams to better serve and support their community. We strengthen our families, Encompass and the Snoqualmie Valley through coming together for support, education and leadership opportunities. The Parent Advisory Council is dedicated to the improvement of resources and supports for families and inspiring other families in our community.”
While we are proud of our continued success, providing more than 5,000 services to families last year, Encompass does face challenges. The economic downturn has had a detrimental effect on local residents while limiting available funding. To offset these losses, Encompass has not filled vacant staff positions and reduced hours for other staff, including administrative support. In addition, our staff will incur (along with Encompass) a 10 percent increase in health-care costs. Finding funding to meet increased community need is currently our greatest need.