North Bend, WA — December 18, 2014 National attention turned to early learning programs like the one at Encompass last Wednesday during the White House Summit on Early Education. President Barack Obama called on business leaders, philanthropists, advocates, elected officials and members of the public to invest in the expansion of early childhood opportunities for children across the country through Invest in US. Seattle is just one city to commit to this initiative already.

Brain scientists, educators, economists, and public health experts agree that that the foundation for success begins during pregnancy and is built through age 5, before many children enter formal K-12 schooling. The availability of high-quality early learning programs can lead to higher achievement, better health, a skilled workforce, increased wages and reduced social spending.

Since 1987, the Encompass early learning program has provided nationally-accredited, research-based and research-proven curriculum resources* as well as pediatric therapy and parent support/education programs. The early learning program is ranked in the top 3% of preschools nationwide by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC – a strong supporter of Invest in US) and offers an Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) that provides free preschool, family support, health and nutrition coordination and avenues for parent involvement to eligible children and their families.

Data from the Washington Department of Learning released on December 9 reported that ECEAP sites like Encompass are ranking at the top of a quality rating system called the Early Achievers, underscoring how ECEAP programs are succeeding at assuring the most at-risk preschoolers are ready for kindergarten.

“We now know through research that one of the most critically important periods in a child’s development occurs in early childhood. High-quality early intervention and early learning programs, such as those provided by Encompass, provide children with a solid foundation and the best possible start in life,” said Rochelle Clayton-Strunk, Director of Education Programs at Encompass.

Specific programs at Encompass families can participate in today include:

• The Encompass early learning program, which includes toddler playgroups and preschool for ages 3-5 (registration for the 2015/2016 school year is January 20)
• ECEAP
• Free parenting workshops
• 1-to-1 parent coaching and Parent-Child Interaction Training/Therapy (PCIT)
• Parent support groups and parent nights out
• Free developmental screenings
• Wired for Reading
• Early intervention and pediatric therapy

Contact Encompass at 425.888.2777 for further information or to schedule a tour.

— ENCOMPASS is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1966 with a mission to nurture children, enrich families and inspire community. Our expert staff is committed to applying best practices and innovative strategies to early childhood education and therapy programs. We serve the Snoqualmie Valley, Issaquah, Sammamish and greater Eastside. Follow Encompass on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and our blog.

CONTACT Rochelle Clayton-Strunk, Director of Education Programs at Encompass rochelle.claytonstrunk@encompassnw.org 425.888.2777

###

* Encompass uses Teaching Strategies Gold which is a research-based and research-proven curriculum resource. It is an emerging evidence-based practice. Currently, Encompass has two evidence-based practices (or EBPs) – Parent-Child Interaction Therapy/Training (PCIT) and Promoting First Relationships (PFR).