Foundation for Early Learning

The Foundation for Early Learning is a public foundation that helps build and fund coalitions around the state that link parents and caregivers with what they need for their families. For example, coalitions may engage in public awareness efforts, kindergarten readiness projects, and efforts to support child care providers with supplies for their facilities. The ultimate goal of the Foundation is to ensure that all children in Washington are socially, emotionally and intellectually prepared when they enter school.

Established in 2000 as a result of Gov. Gary Locke’s Commission on Early Learning and with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation has helped lead Washington’s efforts to ensure all children are prepared for school and life.

In addition to coalition-building grants and event sponsorships, the Foundation distributes free early learning publications and supports early learning resources. The Early Learning Community is an online social network for early learning professionals, parents and others interested in supporting our state’s youngest learners.

For a complete list of resources and to learn more about the Foundation, visit www.earlylearning.org.

School readiness materials

The Foundation offers a Web site and brochure on school readiness that is available in nine languages. "Getting School Ready!®" includes information on how families and communities can help young children get ready for kindergarten. The Web site includes tips and links to other resources that promote school readiness.

To find out more and order free copies of the booklet, visit www.GettingSchoolReady.org.

Early Learning Public Library Partnership

Public libraries are great early learning environments! DEL partners with the Foundation and others on the Early Learning Public Library Partnership. The Partnership aims to inform parents and caregivers on how they can use their local public library to promote healthy child development and school readiness.

Learn more about the Partnership, including membership, mission and the Ready to Learn, Ready to Read brochure at www.earlylearning.org/elplp.