February 2025: What's New | |
Encompass It All Spotlight: Community-Based Services | |
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“We have found that being able to serve kids in the classroom and in their most natural setting is highly beneficial. Not only do they get to observe and learn from their peers through modeling and imitation, but we also get to add to their enriching learning environment and reduce the stigma of therapy while keeping them involved in their normal activities and routines.”
-Ashley Egger, Encompass Speech-Language Pathologist
With a well-established model of providing therapy services in our own preschool program, in late 2022, Encompass launched its Community-Based Services program, the feature of our latest Encompass It All spotlight.
Centered around therapy services provided in a child’s natural environment in childcare and preschool settings, our Community-Based Services program supports the occupational, speech-language, and mental health goals of children, 3-years-old and up. By working inside the community, Encompass aims to once again reduce barriers to access and widen support services for children and families.
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ParentTalks Podcast: A Deeper Look at Community-Based Services | |
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In our latest Parent Talks podcast, we take an in-depth look at our Community-Based Services program.
We sit down with Encompass Pediatric Therapy Director Rachel Peterson to learn more about how the program works and its profound impact on children, families, and educators. Encompass Lead Teacher Madi Shinn and Encompass Child and Family Therapist Molly Steuber share their insights on the importance of therapist and educator collaboration, how this unique approach normalizes therapy, and why early support sets children up for a smoother transition to elementary school.
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An Outside Lens on Community-Based Services | |
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In our latest blog, we continue our spotlight on our Community-Based Services program and how it works to reduce barriers and widen support services for children. Mosaic Montessori Director Christine Meredith discusses the important role this program plays for the children and families in her center. We also chat with one of those families as they share the difference this program makes for their family and child.
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Celebrating Friendship and Inclusion with Elmer | |
Our North Bend preschool students recently celebrated themes of friendship and inclusivity through the story of Elmer, written and illustrated by David McKee. After reading the book about the beloved patchwork elephant, they enjoyed sitting down to design their own unique Elmer creations. | |
One Week Left to Purchase Trivia Tickets! | |
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Ticket sales for Trivia Night in Support of Encompass will close on Friday,
February 21. Do you have your team?
Join us at North Fork Farm on Thursday, February 27 for a friendly evening of competition. Your ticket includes a professional host for six rounds of not-too-challenging multi-media trivia, pizza and salad dinner, dessert, local beer, wine, and beverages, plus an amazing prize package for the winning team!
It’s sure to be a fun night in support of Encompass programs for children and families so visit the link below for more information and to reserve your spot now! And it's okay if you don't have a team. We'll find one for you!
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Flourish Fridays Are Here! | |
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Our new Flourish Fridays program for children ages 3-5 years is up and running!
Flourish Fridays offer a fun enrichment opportunity for your child to play, learn, grow, and make new friends. Each month will feature a new theme:
February: Technology
March: Engineering
April: Art
May: Math
June: Music
Children are welcome to join for as many sessions as they like, but we ask that they register by 5:00 pm on Wednesday of the same week.
Flourish Fridays are $45 per session and will meet from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Encompass Early Learning Center in North Bend.
Visit the link below for more information, a complete schedule, and enrollment details.
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Last week's weather was quite a doozy! But while it might have caused disruption to daily routines, our North Bend Preschool students delighted in the opportunity to use their creativity and resources to make a special snow friend.
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Save the Date for the Inspire Breakfast! | |
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Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 am
The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge
𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 for our annual 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 on Tuesday morning, April 29 at the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge.
More than 250 community leaders, educators, local businesses, and parents will come together to engage in our vision of a community where ALL children thrive.
In addition to a delicious hot breakfast, the morning will feature engaging speakers and our Inspire Community Awards.
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for a special morning!
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Winter Workshops and Groups | |
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Trivia Night
Thursday, February 27, shifts from 4:30 - 10:00 pm
North Fork Farms
Help us raise funds for Encompass programs while bringing our community together for a casual evening of light-hearted fun! Trivia Night is back for a third year, and we cannot do it without your help! We are looking for volunteers in a variety of roles from set up to breakdown and trivia support in between. Can't commit to the entire time? No worries! Simply email your interest and when you can help.
Inspire Breakfast
Tuesday, April 29, volunteers from 7:00 - 9:30 am
The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge
Volunteer with our 2025 Inspire Breakfast and savor the sweet joy of giving back. In addition to a keynote and family speakers, we will honor a well-deserved volunteer, business, and community partner with our annual Inspire Community Awards. Volunteers will help us welcome guests and are in turn welcome to sit and enjoy breakfast and the program with us.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Saturday, April, 26 from 9 am to 1 pm
Snoqualmie YMCA
Healthy Kids Day® is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. Encompass is planning to participate in the event this year and needs your help. We’ll have the Encompass booth and need 1 to 2 volunteers to help us engage kids with sensory activities.
Interested in any of these opportunities? Drop an email to volunteer@encompassnw.org.
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Symetra Provides Activity Packs for Kids! | |
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This week our team made a special delivery to participants in our Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), ParentChild+, and Pediatric Therapy Clinic. We are so grateful to Symetra for generously donating these fun activity kits and organizing an incredible team of volunteers to assemble them. We know they will bring many smiles of delight!
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Gifts of Love from the National Charity League | |
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The National Charity League (NCL) is a multi-generational philanthropic organization of mothers and daughters that empowers women to succeed while making a positive impact in their communities. The Lake Washington Chapter has been a valued Encompass partner since 2022, and we were honored to host a recent member meeting at our Child Development Center. After a tour, they learned about the Early Learning side of Encompass from Early Learning Director Lisa Hart, who tailored the discussion to their monthly meeting topic of “culture.”
After learning more about Encompass, the group surprised us with a kind gesture of what culture means to them. Members presented us with a donation they raised on our behalf, followed by hand-made cards filled with positive messages of encouragement, and even donated their crafting supplies.
Our sincere gratitude goes out to the NCL, Lake Washington Chapter. Thank you for your partnership and exceptional support!
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Encompass is looking for passionate people to join our dynamic team! We are currently hiring for the following positions:
Work where you live and make a difference in your community!
Click below to view the job postings and learn more about how to apply.
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In addition to Encompass events, check out these other great opportunities happening in our community! | |
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Blocks and Bricks
Friday, February 21, 2:30-3:30 pm
Fall City Library
Drop into the Fall City Library for an unstructured, creative play open house.
Both Legos and large building blocks are available. Stay for the entire event or pop in for a few minutes. The library supplies the bricks; you supply the imagination! Supplies are limited.
Learn More
Daddy-Daughter Community Dance
March 22, 6:00-8:00 pm
Si View Community Center
Our friends at Si View Metro Parks are hosting a night out for dads (and dads alike) and their daughters. Grab your dancing shoes and enjoy an evening featuring a live DJ, a photo booth, prize giveaways, and snacks. Pre-registration required.
Learn More
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