Encompass Invites Early Learning Professionals to Participate in Executive Function Early Learning Communities in January

North Bend, WA – Encompass is a leader in supporting the development of executive function skills across its programs in education and pediatric therapy. As the only organization in King County (and 1 of only 6 in Washington) to be selected by the Washington State Department of Early Learning to participate in a pilot program known as “Executive Function Learning Communities” (in partnership with Frontiers of Innovation, an initiative of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University), Encompass will offer a free 9-week workshop to help teachers develop executive function skills in children under their care. This is a free opportunity to earn 20 STARS credits and begins January 21. This will not be offered the Valley for at least another two years.

“I’m recruiting all local early learning professionals to participate in this year’s Early Learning Communities,” says Kerry Beymer, parenting support and education manager at Encompass. “Preparing the adults who care for and work with young children is critical to helping children develop the skills they need to make good decisions, participate in school, and adapt flexibly to new situations.”

Executive functioning is a group of skills that help people to focus on multiple streams of information at the same time and revise plans as necessary. Developing these skills before the age of 5 can impact a child’s ability to hold a job, develop healthy relationships and deal with stress—factors that contribute to the health of a community. Children don’t naturally develop executive function skill—they must be nurtured by parents, teachers and caregivers.

For more information and to register for the workshop, early learning professionals can contact Kerry Beymer (425.888.2777 or Kerry.beymer@encompassnw.org).

— ABOUT ENCOMPASS 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.

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