Tiny Tots Development Center Programs
We believe that children are Strong, Rich and Powerful in contract to those who would like to label our children as weak, dependent and limited. Tiny Tots Development Center (TTDC) has a deep respect for the learning that our students achievable respecting that children come to us ready to learn and explore, therefore we provide an environment that honors their creativity through our ECEAP Pre-School Program which is the State of Washington's version of Headstart. We were one of the first Early Education programs to receive a contract for ELN services for Pre-School students. Our Contracts with the City of Seattle allow us to provide Free Pre-School and Step Ahead (ELN) services for children who are age 4. The Program Goals include: Early Learning Pre-School, Family Support and Parent Involvement and Child Health coordination and Nutrition. Within the first 30 days of our program the students receive Development Screenings and our teaching staff meet weekly to prepare and implement an individual lesson plan for each student. Each month we host Family Events in which we have Learning Opportunities for Families regarding Nutrition, Life Skills and Preparing for Kindergarten.
In the late 1990's our Organization helped established the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CLC) contract, resulting in our current presence at Van Asselt Elementary School. Many of the activities and work we do to support the school relies on working with support staff so we can ensure tighter alignment. In 2010 we applied for and received a grant from OSPI to use Title 1 funds while providing Supplemental Educational Services in collaboration with the current Teaching Staff. We focus on Math, Reading and Writing strategies that are intergraded with and supported by the schools we serve. Students learn through academic studies and enrichment activities. A typical day includes Homework, Remedial Assistance "Tutoring", Enrichment Activies and Cultural Studies/Activites. Since 2006 we have incresed the Reading Scores at Van Asselt by 69% and Homework completion increased by 85%
Birth-to-Three is the Early Learning Focus Program for our Infant and Toddlers. We provide for a caring and nurturing enviornment with learning goals supported by our Creative Curriculum to ensure our little angels get the best in education and care. We have a low teacher student ratio and an on-site Nurse Consultant for daily consultation.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
On July 2010 Tiny Tots completed a constrction project of a 5000 square foot two-story Administrative Offices (on Top) and State of the Art Pre-School program which serves 56 students. We had the designs and plans for this building site for 7 years, it looked like we would never get this project started but with the Dilligence of our Cheif Executive Officer, Helen Hicks, and the Financial Support of Rainier Valley Development Fund (RVDF) and Bank of America we were able to complete the project.
This location has allowed us to complete a vacant parcel of land adjacent to the TTDC-Main program, which has improved the property value of the entire site and created a world class administrative and classroom space for the families we serve.
We need volunteers who love Early Learning and can lend a hand by assisting us with Marketing, Web site designs, fundraising ideas and assistance in our fundraising events including a grant writer. Those are the Human Capital avenues that would be of most assistance. In terms of Funds: We need a NEW Roof for the Tiny Tots Main location which is over 30 years old. This site is adjacent to our New Facility, we utilized all our funds for the new project and we are in dire need of the New Roof. In addition we have several Government Grants for Programs but they do not include Operating Capital which we sincerely need to provide Health Benefits for our Employees and overall Working Capital. Finally - Children's books, Arts and Crafts Supplies and Copy Paper are all the Supply type items that make a world of Difference to an organization like ours. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to present our Non-Profit profile. On behalf of the Children, Families and Staff of Tiny Tots "Thank You."