Federal government releases Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant application

The U.S. Department of Education today released the application for the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) grant, which will provide $500 million in state-level competitive grants to improve early learning and development programs. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is leading Washington’s application for the grant, which could bring up to $60 million to our state over four years to support early learning for our children.


RTT-ELC is meant to help states raise the quality of early learning programs so that children start school ready to succeed. DEL Director Bette Hyde said, “I believe Washington is well positioned to be competitive in the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge. We are rolling out our kindergarten entry assessment program, WaKIDS, this school year and we are taking our Quality Rating and Improvement System to 65 child care providers this year as we move toward statewide implementation.”

The grant application is due October 19 and the federal government will announce the awards in December.

DEL has created a webpage to keep the early learning community informed about progress on RTT-ELC.

See our July 18 blog post about entering the RTT-ELC.

Other resources:

U.S. Department of Education press release about the grant application: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/obama-administration-releases-final-application-race-top-early-learning-challeng

Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge webpage: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge/index.html

DEL announces 65 early adopters for QRIS

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) has selected the Quality Rating and Improvement System Early Adopters for 2011-2012. The Washington Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) is our state’s voluntary program for helping licensed child care providers offer high-quality care.


These 65 licensed child care facilities met all eligibility requirements and demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality care for the children and families they serve. On behalf of our statewide partners and the local implementation agencies, we would like to congratulate Washington’s first QRIS participants!

DEL Director Bette Hyde shared a message about the early adopters.


Having a QRIS in place is one requirement in the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant competition. DEL is leading Washington’s application for the grant, which could bring up to $60 million to our state over four years.

The full list of early adopters, organized by county:


Clark County

• Cindy Perez
• Southwest Washington Child Care Consortium– South Ridge
• Southwest Washington Child Care Consortium – Image Child Care
• Southwest Washington Child Care Consortium – Fruit Valley
• Debbie’s 24/7 Day Care
• Auntie’s House Child Care
• Caring Corner Preschool and Child Care
• Debra Simmerson
• St John Christian Child Care Center
• P. Nierenberg ELC
• Becca’s Day Care
• Daily Discoveries
• Patience At Hand Child Care
• Points of Light Christian Child Care
• Innovative Services NW
• Country Friends Child Care
• Tads 2 Tots Daycare
• Country Campus Learning Center

Kitsap County

• Wendy Huskey
• Sunny Patch
• Mele’s Bize Bees (Mary Parsons)
• Martha and Mary Early Learning Center -  Silverdale
• Martha and Mary Early Learning Center -  Poulsbo
• First Years Children’s Center
• Chico Christian Child Care

Spokane County

• St. Anne’s Children and Family Center
• Spokane Child Development Center
• Little Precious Ones
• Jolene Bertsch
• Ka Diddle Hoppers
• Little Guys Two
• Paula’s Play House Child Care
• Kim’s Child Care and Early Learning
• Christ Lutheran Child Center
• Valley Learning Center
• Lake City Learning Center
• Green Gable Children’s Center
• Central YMCA
• Rainbow Connections Too

White Center

• Educare
• Rainbow Family Child Care
• Maria Nicolas (Pequenos Pasos)
• Linda’s Wee Ones Day Care
• Learning Way School and Day Care
• KinderCare Burien
• From Roots to Wings Child Care
• Fauntleroy Children’s Center
• Curiosity Corner School
• Community Schools West
• Community Day School Highland Park
• Carita de Angel
• Bringing Up Baby
• Ages in Stages Child Care
• KinderCare 892

East Yakima

• YMCA Jewett Child Development Center
• Rosalinda’s Day Care
• Rainbow Kids
• La Petite Early Learning Center
• Kids Inc.
• Enriqueta Arreguin
• Easter Seals – Jane’s House
• Country Kids Child Development Center on 21st
• Country Kids Child Development Center – Terrace Heights
• Bertha’s Day Care
• Balbina Gomez

WAEYC launches "virtual book club"

Always wanted to be in a book club but haven't found the time? Our partners at the Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC) have just launched an online book club. It's a great opportunity for parents and early learning professionals to learn some simple ways to build lifelong skills in young children.

Each month for seven months, participants will explore how to guide children to reach their fullest potential through one of seven life skills: Focus and Self Control; Perspective Taking; Communicating; Making Connections; Critical Thinking; Taking on Challenges; and Self-Directed, Engaged Learning. The book club is based on the book "Mind in the Making" by Ellen Galinsky, president and co-founder of the Families and Work Institute.

Washington STARS Credit and OSPI Clock Hours available for participating in the webinars.

Visit www.waeyc.org/mitm.htm to learn more and sign up!