DEL culturally relevant parent support projects

To support parents as their children’s first and most important teachers, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) funds local projects around the state that reach parents with information about helping their children grow up safe, healthy and filled with a love of learning. We know that families come in all forms, and these projects reach a variety of parents, including teen parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, parents from a Tribal Nation, Spanish-speaking families and more.

In August 2008, DEL announced the most recent community projects to receive funding. The projects will reach families in 16 counties around the state.

  • St. Joseph Family Center, Spokane County. Parent education and support classes about child development, children of divorce and anger management for at-risk working families without benefits/insurance and ineligible for public assistance.
  • Lutheran Community Services NW, Clallam County. “Parenting the Second Time Around” program for grandparents raising their children’s children.
  • The Arc of Kitsap and Jefferson counties. Supporting successful transitions to public school for families with children in special education early intervention.
  • Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom County. Baby Connections: nurturing and child-rearing skill development for low-income families, and Hispanic and Eastern European immigrants.
  • Friends of Youth: King and Snohomish counties. Healthy Start: home-based parent education and support for first-time parents under 22 years of age.
  • Yakima Interfaith Coalition -- La Casa Hogar, Yakima County. Powerful Families: parent leadership development for first generation monolingual Spanish speaking families.
  • Island County Health Department. Mother's Circles: a weekly drop-in support and education group; and Jail Parent Education for incarcerated parents.
  • Asotin County Health District. Monthly drop-in circle time, stories and activities, reading/literacy tips for low-income families eligible for WIC.
  • The Refugee Women's Alliance, King County. Workshops in child development, parenting skills, and public school navigation for parents who have immigrated from East Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands.
  • Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery, Benton County. Education and support for at-risk families and families in transitional housing that are experiencing trauma.
  • American Indian Community Center, Spokane County. Positive Indian Parenting Program for urban tribal families and foster parents of American Indian children.
  • Child Care Action Council, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Thurston, Mason, and Pacific counties. BlockFest: math and science family activities and learning open to all parents and caregivers.

Click here to see a list of projects funded in 2007.