As you may be aware, one of the MVSD’s “Six Strategic Areas of Focus” includes a focus on Early Childhood Education and Childcare. More specifically, our district’s Strategic Vision states, “We invest in early childhood education given it’s long-term academic, social-emotional, and economic benefits to our students and community.”
Under the leadership and direction of Katharine Bill, our district has been working closely with a variety of early learning and community partners to ensure our youngest learners receive high quality, affordable early learning and childcare opportunities in the Methow Valley.
Most recently, this has included the development of our after-school childcare and a variety of enrichment programs. Combined, these two programs will serve nearly half of the elementary-age students in one capacity or another.
Well, it appears that we will be taking another significant step forward toward this goal through our strong partnership with the Okanogan County Child Development Association – Head Start Pre-School program. Vicki Good, OCCDA Interim Program Director recently informed us that our grant application to the U.S. Department of Education aimed at fully funding the expansion of our current Head Start Pre-School from a half-day program to a full-day program, beginning next fall, has been approved!
In brief, the grant will provide the funding for staffing, classroom-based resources, on-going professional development, and transportation related-costs. More detailed information will be forthcoming…
For the moment, please join us as we celebrate the great news!