~August 2026~

Katie's Korner: A message from your PYC Coordinator

Dear early childhood community partners,

As we close out the summer of 2026, this will be the last "mini" newsletter. We will return to the full newsletters this fall, so remember to send me your flyers, updates and events.

This newsletter was sadly timed with the news that our dear Dolly Parton has passed. Her passing hit me deeply, as I'm sure it did so many of you. Perhaps unexpectedly so, it caused me to reflect on why this might be. It dawned on me that Dolly represented the best in us -- generosity, kindness, inclusion, deep faith in humanity and a wicked sense of humor. Having her around and knowing she was so beloved by all kept us hopeful and open to the possibility of a better world.

But losing her in body does not mean we lose the legacy she paved. If you will join me, let's reaffirm our dedication to our families with young children. Let us be energized with a renewed focus to bring more light, connection and resources to our community. Dolly knew that we are better together and she knew that helping the most vulnerable means a better world for all. Let's do it for Dolly!

I would also like to practice the gratitude she embodied with a huge thank you to our Children's Day event planning team. Heather, Tasha, Valeria, Liz, Jayanne, Lauri, Karly and Jessie -- you are rockstars and this event could not be happening without you! Our community will undoubtedly feel the care and passion you have put into Children's Day.

In this mini-newsletter, you will find event announcements, public health updates and back to school resources!

In gratitude,

Katie

Partners for Young Children (PYC) is a coalition focused on improving the wellbeing of children and families in Island County.

Through PYC, Island County organizations and individuals come together to achieve the vision that all children thrive in nurturing relationships and healthy families. Together, partners are cultivating community action to strengthen Island County families.

PYC News & Updates

PYC Membership

Interested in becoming a member of Partners for Young Children Island County? It's simple! Find out more at the link below and simply complete our membership form.

Email Katie with any questions!

PYC Partners Shared Resources

Have flyers, information or resources to share? Drop in our SharePoint folder!

Join Our Slack Community

Sign up for our new PYC Slack Channel! You'll find it under the (also new) Whidbey Community Foundation Slack. Ask questions, share resources, and interact in real-time with other early learning partners in our community!

Last Month's PYC Programs Report

Help Me Grow Island County Updates & Supports

Email for real-time updates, to add your listing, for questions and to get outreach materials for your families!

Encourage families to Call Help Me Grow at 1(800) 322-2588.

Katie will be contacting resource partners annually for maintenance updates.

Help Me Grow - Island County is a dependable and interconnected system that puts families first – making sure resources are accessible to every child and every community.

PYC Supported Programs

Lantern Parenting Tips

Lantern tailors three to five weekly text messages to caregivers, providing evidence-based content on developmental milestones, brain growth, emotional health, nutrition, and resilience.

Does your organization have a community message to share with local parents? Submit your messages here and we will help get the word out!

Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Whidbey Island

A note from the Imagination Library of Washington:

Today, we mourn the loss of Dolly Parton — an extraordinary woman whose vision changed childhood for millions.

Here in Washington, her legacy lives in every book delivered, every story shared, and every child inspired to dream bigger.

"Dolly made a colossal impact on this world, and particularly on our children. We are committed to keeping her legacy alive in Washington State, alongside our local program partners, by ensuring our youngest learners continue to have the opportunity to receive a free Imagination Library book in the mail every month. Dolly's legacy will live through every book delivered, every story shared, and every child inspired to dream bigger."— Brooke Fisher-Clark, Executive Director, Imagination Library of Washington

Thank you, Dolly Parton, for believing so deeply in the power of books and the potential of every child. Our team and many others around the world will make sure your legacy lives on for generations to come. 

Katie has bookmarks and other outreach materials. Contact her here!

Help Spread the Word!

Follow and share with your networks!

Island County Health Updates

West Coast Health Alliance Clarification on Childhood Vaccine Executive Order

Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines



The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) bases its recommendations for vaccinations on guidelines from trusted professional medical and health organizations representing millions of healthcare providers, reflecting a broad consensus on the safety and benefits of the recommended immunizations. The Executive Order issued by the White House regarding childhood vaccine schedule recommendations does not change the WCHA’s position on evidenced-based vaccine guidance…Read the full WA DOH press release.

With recent federal guidance, ICPH wants to assure Island County families that all standard childhood immunizations are readily available. Local providers follow the recommendations from the West Coast Health Alliance, and there have been no changes to the adopted immunization schedules or insurance coverage. For more information about where to get vaccinated in Island County, visit: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/1072/Immunizations

Family & Caregiver Supports & Events

Island County School Districts Provide Back to School Supply Programs

Oak Harbor:

Families who want to be recipients can sign up by visiting the Opportunity Council office at 231 SE Barrington Drive, Suite 100, in Oak Harbor, calling 360-679-6577. While the August 24th signup deadline has passed, there may be backpacks still available.

Famiies may also contact their school office for more assistance with supplies.

Coupeville:

Need help before kids head back to the classroom?

The Coupeville School District is hosting a free back-to-school event September 2 where families can get assistance with school supplies.

South Whidbey:

Back To School is our annual no-cost store where you and your children can pick out the items they need for the school year ahead. Fill out this form and we'll get back to you in the next few days with an appointment. We really look forward to seeing you!

Steps Holds Annual Rock 'n Roll Stroll Fundraising Event!

Do you have updates or resources you'd like to share with the broader network?

Fun Reads & New Listens!

Early Childhood Chats

Welcome to "Early Childhood Chats," the podcast dedicated to all things related to early childhood education. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of early childhood development, parenting tips, teaching strategies, and the latest research in the field.

Hosted by passionate educators and experts in early childhood education, each episode brings you insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories aimed at supporting parents, caregivers, and educators in nurturing the young minds of tomorrow.