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First Five Years & Beyond November Newsletter

Thank you for being a valued First Five Years & Beyond subscriber to our newsletter and content. Each month, we keep readers up to date about events, programming, services, and more! Check out our website for more information.


A special thanks to all the parents who came to our bi-monthly parent meeting on October 30th. We talked about safe sleep for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers along with announcements. Parents, we value and appreciate your partnership with us.

Afterschool Tutoring

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First Five Years & Beyond has an afterschool tutoring program for K - 12th grade students who live in Western Washington. We provide youth with a safe, positive, and stimulating environment to explore learning and experience academic and personal success.


Students build skills in reading and math, get help with homework, and grow their confidence. Travel is not an issue because tutors join students virtually via Zoom. The students are wonderfully diverse, representing various cultures, special needs, and skillsets.


“I am so excited that my scholar is able to read with the tutor the way he does, because when he reads with me, he doesn’t read like that. He is very comfortable with the tutor and sounded like he was really into the book, and I’m really happy about that!” 

-A pleased parent of the program


Volunteers are the heart of the afterschool program. They work with students individually or in pairs to follow each student’s individualized learning plan. Every year in August, we seek new volunteer tutors prior to the start of the school year. For more information about our volunteer opportunities, visit the United Way/First Five Years & Beyond volunteer portal.

Successful Covid-19 Vaccine Event

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On October 2, 2021 First Five Years & Beyond hosted its first annual Covid-19 vaccination site at the Kent Library. The program, called "Care-a-Van" is a mobile vaccine delivery service put on by the WA State Department of Health, working with community partners and health jurisdictions to bring more vaccines to local communities.

 

The nurses were equipped with the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines.


“Last year in March, I got Covid,” said an anonymous Kent resident, “I wanted to do something about it this time.”


Conveniently located in downtown Kent, the booth was accessible and available from 9am to 5pm, and we had an impressive turnout. We thank All-In-Washington for joining forces with us to promote vaccine equity!

DiscoverU Week

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During DiscoverU Week every October, educators, youth, serving organizations, families, and community leaders across South King County and South Seattle lead college and career activities that help students explore their futures. Each day is an opportunity for students of all ages to participate in fun activities and conversations that help them explore their career interests and learn about the education and skills needed to get there.


First Five Years & Beyond had the honor of interviewing an ecologist, a commissioner, a curator, and a mayor! What a fabulous week! The youth gained some valuable information, advice, and exposure to what comes next after grade school. For more information on our DiscoverU event, visit our youth programs page where you can view detailed information.


Together, we can engage our communities to build a “beyond high school” culture and support students with their dream futures. DiscoverU puts student interests at the center because college and career planning should be driven by students who are actually going to live these futures. Explore Discoveruwa.org for additional information and resources.

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Baby Doll Circle Time™

First Five Years & Beyond has weaved Baby Doll Circle Time™ into its Kaleidoscope Play & Learn programming on Saturdays.


Baby Doll Circle Time™ provides the opportunity for young children to experience being the nurturer by interacting with their baby dolls in the same ways that we as caring adults might interact with them. Children develop best within the context of caring relationships.


As the children play with their dolls, they relive and strengthen the attachment and connection that they have with their caregivers and parents. Baby Doll Circle Time™ is a way to ensure that children experience the attachment, attunement, and social play required for optimal brain development. The goals of Baby Doll Circle Time™ are to: enhance attachment, increase self-regulation, promote trust, and foster attunement skills.


For more information about our Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Programming, visit our website.

Promoting First Relationships (PFR)

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First relationships are the foundation for young children’s growth and development in social, emotional, lingual and behavioral health


Promoting First Relationships is a program through the University of Washington dedicated to promoting children’s social-emotional development through responsive, nurturing caregiver-child relationships. Promoting First Relationships is one of our ongoing programs we do with parents on a weekly basis.


First Five Years & Beyond staff supports engage with parents to reflect and coach them in the use of practical, in-depth, effective strategies for promoting secure and healthy relationships with their children.

 

"I appreciate this program because it's nice that somebody can sit down with us and discuss how to strengthen the first years of childhood. It's not often people in our circle open up about it because people are always busy with the fast pace of life." - Anonymous


For more information about Promoting First Relationships, visit their website.

Upcoming Dates

  • Veteran’s Day is Thursday, November 11th, 2021, observed as a Federal Holiday. This day observed annually on November 11 honors military veterans identified as those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
  • Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 7th, 2021 at 2:00 AM. Most phones will change the time on their own, but please remember to turn manual clocks back 1 hour.
  • Thanksgiving Day is a Federal Holiday, observed on November 25th, 2021. Take some time on Thanksgiving to acknowledge the land you live on and the indigenous people who lived there before and still live there now. In addition to saying what you're thankful for, have an age-appropriate discussion with your kids about the real history of Christopher Columbus and his crew.

King County Covid-19 Resources for Families

  • Need help with child care costs? You may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for child care if you live in King County, meet the income guidelines, and have been negatively impacted by Covid-19. Complete their application here. Deadline: As long as funds are available.
  • Applications are now open for rental assistance in King County. Deadline: As long as this program is available.
  • FEMA is now accepting applications for funeral expenses paid after January 20, 2020 for deaths caused by COVID-19. If you would like to apply, please gather the necessary documents and call 1-844-684-6333. They are not accepting online applications.There is no deadline.
  • Do you and your family need financial support to successfully isolate or quarantine? Anyone living in King County who tests positive or is exposed to COVID-19 may be eligible to receive a one-time household bill payment of up to $1,500 to help pay their current rent, mortgage, utility, water, phone and internet bills. For eligibility information, visit the King County website. Deadline: As long as funds are available.
  • Washington Listens provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year including COVID-19 and wildfires. If you're experiencing stress from COVID-19, call or text us today at 1-833-681-0211
  • The Seattle Relief Fund is providing direct cash assistance to Seattle’s most vulnerable low-income residents and their households who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Open to Seattle residents only, closes November 15, 2021.

First Five Years & Beyond

Providing parents with the skills, tools, and resources needed to support their children

https://www.ffyb.org 206-504-9560

302 W. Harrison St, Suite 101 Kent, WA 98032