Another Amazing Week in Early Learning

It is sometimes hard to catch your breath if you are in the field of Early Learning in Washington State. Last week,October 23-27th, proved to be one of those times when we were all scrambling to take advantage of all the opportunities presenting themselves.

Garrison talked about the Early Learning Affinity Group meeting with funders and tribal leaders at the Tulalip Tribal Center. It was a moving experience for me and one that I will remember for a long time. By the end of the week, there were three more opportunities for people in early learning to meet with experts and to learn even more about this field. It was impossible to go to all of them but I am so happy that people with expertise, experience and national stature are finding it advantageous to come to Washington State and share their knowledge.

Speaking of people with expertise, experience and national stature coming to Washington State, we have just heard that Graciela Italiano Thomas from Los Angeles has accepted the offer to become the CEO of Thrive by Five. She will be starting in January. Here is a link to the press release that details all the reasons she was selected. I am looking forward to her stepping into this important role.

Thrive by Five Press Release

Last week ending on a bittersweet note. We had a celebratory luncheon for the funders of EC2- the Early Care and Education Coalition. EC2 was founded by the Foundation for Early Learning and was dedicated to increasing the public's awareness of the importance of the first five years in a child's life. EC2 became the statewide coordinator for the "Born Learning" campaign, a national public awareness campaign created by United Way of America, Citivas and the Ad Council. There are campaigns currently running in 10 different communities around the state. So with all this activity going on, you may be wondering why EC2 is going away. Well, it's not! EC2 has become Thrive by Five Washington! Many of the funders of EC2 are funding Thrive by Five and have been instrumental in setting the strategic direction of the organization. Born Learning will continue to be an ongoing campaign and more people will become aware of the importance of early learning.

This is an exciting time to be involved in Early Learning and it is gratifying to think of all the babies being born (80,000 a year in Washington) whose lives will be changed for the better because of all the hard work and resources that are being directed toward this issue.

Thanks for reading this. You are an important part of our success. Let me know what you think by posting a comment.

Jeanne

Six years of reflection

Although it is incredible to me that six years have gone by since I stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Foundation for Early Learning, it is indeed true. I remember finding out that PeterBerliner, now with the Paul G Allen Foundation, was starting his new job on the same day. It was very reassuring to know that I would enter the new fields of Early Learning and Philanthropy knowing at least one person.

I will not forget the kindness and generosity of Ron Rabin of the Kirlin Foundation who contacted me before I started, took me out to lunch and told me how much he looked forward to working with me and the Foundation for Early Learning.

There were great expectations for the Foundation for Early Learning and a very welcoming community of early learning professionals who were anxious to have us succeed. I remember thinking that if I could just find an office, buy some equipment, hire some staff and stop working out of my home office, then we could really take off.

The collaborative nature of the funders I met and the people working in the field helped the staff and me work towards our goal of seeing every child enter school prepared to succeed. Beginning with the Affinity Group for funders of Early Learning and our statewide Advisory Council, the Foundation understood early on that working with many partners was the only way we would succeed.

I am proud of our partners and our accomplishments, EC2, Getting School Ready!, Child Profile, Kids Matter, the Clark County Early Learning Fund,

In six years, so much has changed. Instead of being the newcomer, the Foundation is now welcoming others who have entered the field of Early Learning. I am excited about our new partners Thrive by Five Washington, the Department for Early Learning and look forward to our work together.

This past year we have seen the development of Washington Learns, an umbrella organization established by our governor to address the issues of our educational system from birth through college. This body has just released a draft of recommendations that will be finalized in November, 2006. It is a complete description of the vision Governor Gregoire and leaders in the community and state have for Washington State's educational system. Whether your children are 18 months or 18 years, it is a "must read" for parents and educators and the public.

So many good things have happened in Early Learning these past six years and I know that the momentum will continue. I hope that you will check this site regularly and add your comments. We can all learn together.

Jeanne

Foundation for Early Learning - News

Check back soon for a weekly update from Jeanne Anderson, Executive Director.