Foundation for Early Learning Programs
The Foundation for Early Learning's approach to early learning is unique because we bring community members together to collectively help their youngest learners. We support parents, teachers, childcare providers, librarians, business leaders and many others who come together to form a community group. With our support, these individuals develop a solution for a need specific to their community---from classes that help teen parents to a referral network for low-income families seeking high-quality, affordable childcare.
We also distribute free educational publications for parents and caregivers in up to nine different languages. Two of our most popular publications are Getting School Ready!® and Ten Simple Ways to Encourage Learning---simple and easy-to-read booklets filled with important information about how children learn.
In 2009, we launched a cutting-edge online social network called the Early Learning Community (ELC) available at www.earlylearningcommunity.org. The ELC was created in response to the statistic that half of all adults, including those from low-income families, are reaching out to social media sites for information. This hub of online resources connects parents, caregivers and community members with resources, news, and events.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Some examples of our success are:
- The Foundation for Early Learning is working in all 39 counties of Washington State in order to serve all children and families, especially those most in need.
- We have distributed over 400,000 educational booklets across the state and country.
- In 2008, 2009, 2010,and 2011 we organized over 200 Early Learning Fairs across the state. Local groups customized events to raise awareness about early learning and connect children and families with resources and services. Our Early Learning Community Fairs are a great example of our collaborative nature and commitment to serving young children and their communities.
The Foundation for Early Learning is always seeking general support to fund our programs benefiting children and families.