April 22, 2024
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 Island County Is Looking For A Coordinator!
Are you passionate about the field of early learning? Are you eager to be a part of building a world-class early learning system? Do you enjoy facilitating connections and promoting collaboration?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, Whidbey Community Foundation and the Partners for Young Children (PYC) Steering Committee are interested in learning more about your qualifications and experience. We are currently looking for a dynamic and energetic person to work as the PYC Coordinator.

Work schedule can be somewhat flexible but the current estimate is 20 hours per week for the first 12 months. This person will be in the forefront of building a world-class early learning system in Island County and will have the excitement of working with community-based organizations, school districts, early learning professionals, county peers, and state agencies.
Bright By Text Now Available In Island County
Island County has received a grant from the Department of Children, Youth & Families to further the Help Me Grow work by purchasing a subscription to Bright By Text.

Bright by Text tailors three to five weekly text messages to caregivers, providing evidence-based content on developmental milestones, brain growth, emotional health, nutrition, and resilience. Partnering with local organizations, they expand access to medical, educational, and social services, benefitting children, caregivers, and communities. This use of text messages is driven by their prompt nature, cost-effectiveness, and ability to reach marginalized populations, aiding 93% of low-income adults who rely on cell phones.

Does your organization have a community message to share with local parents? By partnering with local organizations, we aim to expand access to medical, educational, and social services, benefitting children, caregivers and communities.
Help Us Complete The New Help Me Grow Resource Directory For Island County!
We're excited to share the recently launched Help Me Grow Island County website! Please review the Resource Directory and add or update resources in Island County
Advocacy & News
Island County Wants to Hear From You! 
The Community Health Survey is collecting responses through April 30th to include in the Community Health Assessment Report, which will be released in July 2024. The anonymous survey takes ten to twelve minutes and will help Island County Public Health better understand how all islanders are doing. The results of the survey will identify areas of improvement and set a path towards creating a healthier community for all. The more people we hear from, the more complete our picture will be of how Island County community members are doing.
 
You can take the survey online in English, Spanish, or Tagalog. If you are having trouble accessing the survey online, or have any questions, please call the Assessment Team: (360) 682-8971.
Washington State Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Discovery Survey
Public health employees, community service providers, community members, and families are invited to participate in a brief health equity survey, known as the Discovery Survey. The survey is part of Washington State Department of Health's (DOH) ongoing commitment to Maternal and Child Health. It's open till the end of March. DOH will use feedback to shape funding strategies for 2025-2030.
This 10-question survey focuses primarily on your insights into what promotes the thriving of women, youth, and families, and what further actions could benefit them. 
We encourage you to take this survey and also share it within your networks and teams. 
Parent of A Preschooler? You Can Contribute to Understanding Outreach Messaging
Statewide during the past 12 years, Washington has gained over 15,000 slots and decreased by 2,300 providers. The increases in capacity are a result of more family child care closures and larger centers opening. Since 2022, Washington has seen an increase of 400 family child care programs and 70 centers. Current gains in providers are encouraging, however we have significantly less providers than 12 years ago. The trend of less providers and more capacity being available at large centers has contributed to child care deserts, as the number of child care locations has decreased.  
Childcare Aware Statewide and County Data Reports
Statewide during the past 12 years, Washington has gained over 15,000 slots and decreased by 2,300 providers. The increases in capacity are a result of more family child care closures and larger centers opening. Since 2022, Washington has seen an increase of 400 family child care programs and 70 centers. Current gains in providers are encouraging, however we have significantly less providers than 12 years ago. The trend of less providers and more capacity being available at large centers has contributed to child care deserts, as the number of child care locations has decreased.  
Campaign For Childcare
Imagination Library Now Available to all Children under 5 In WA
Imagination Library of Whidbey Island—a local program partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, strives to send a new book every month to Whidbey Island children from birth to age five. Created in 1995 by renowned entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library has a proven track record of promoting positive home literacy environments and increasing vital early literacy skills. Early reading is critical for every child.
 
Since Dolly’s special visit to Washington in August, we have rapidly experienced significant growth in the number of children signed up to receive their free monthly book – a 25% increase across our state! Whidbey Island has already enrolled over 1,300 children since December 2022!
New Opportunities
Registration is open for the Washington Institute for Parent Leadership and Advocacy (IPLA)
Washington Family Engagement is pleased to unveil its new Washington Institute for Parent Leadership and Advocacy (IPLA). Parents have been asking for a program that teaches leadership, K-12 education and local legislative advocacy. Please let your networks know that registration is now open for our brand new IPLA. Please forward this information to parents you know!

This 10-week, 18-session, transformative, and empowering course is based on social justice and will help you understand how local and state systems are structured, how to become fully engaged in your community and Washington public schools, and how to speak confidently with decision makers to advocate for what matters most to you. 

Registration is now open for English and Spanish classes. Classes begin October 5th and end December 14th 2024.
In-Home Child Care Business Opportunities!
Are you interested in becoming a licensed Family Child Care? Or expanding your current Child Care Center? This grant helps to benefit current and future entrepreneurs in the child care industry. This grant is financed by the Washington State Department of Commerce in an effort to address the loss of child care capacity throughout the region.
In-Home Child Care Business Opportunities!
Island County Public Health, in partnership with the Center for Retention and Expansion of Childcare – NW & the Whidbey Community Foundation, is presenting informational sessions on how to launch a licensed child care business. Sessions will be presented in English and Spanish.

Sessions will cover licensed child care regulations, business start-up information, and the licensing process along with resources and assistance available. Each session will include a Q&A session with C-RECC, as well as follow up support for participants that choose to pursue their own child care business.
PSE Foundation’s 2024 Competitive Grant Program
PSE Foundation is committed to Empowering Communities with giving back at the heart of everything we do. Local nonprofit organizations who charitably serve the public within PSE’s service or generation communities are invited to apply for a competitive grant in one of three amounts: $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000. 

Grant requests should identify a capacity building project or opportunity in one of three core focus areas: food security, shelter and childcare. Requests may also include staff/volunteer training requests, provided they contribute directly to your organization or programmatic capacity-building goals. Grant requests must also demonstrate how funds will be used to help improve organizational effectiveness and impact. 

Application deadline: May 13, 2024
The Food Justice for Kids Prize, an initiative of Newman’s Own Foundation, will provide up to $1 million in total funding over two years to nonprofits, public schools, and tribes working to advance food justice for children in the United States. Funds will be provided for projects that support community-based direct service, ecosystem and community power building, and sustainable practices that drive 1) food justice for Indigenous children or 2) enhanced nutrition education and nutritious school food. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, federally recognized tribes and Indian tribal governments, public schools and school districts, governmental entities or affiliated organizations, and organizations with a fiscal sponsor.
 
Application deadline: June 11, 2024
Grants Enhance Running Programs for Kids
The Saucony Run For Good Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children in the United States by helping to prevent and reduce childhood obesity. The Foundation provides funding to nonprofit community organizations conducting programs that increase participation in running for kids 18 years of age and younger. Supported programs should utilize running participation for health and well-being in children and serve youth populations not traditionally exposed to running programs.
 
Application deadline: June 15 and December 15, annually
Grants Aim to Improve Reading and Literacy
Believe in Reading supports nonprofit organizations in the United States that teach, improve, or encourage reading by people of all ages. Grants are provided for programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy, including adult literacy, English as a second language projects, or Braille-related projects for the blind or visually impaired. Supported literacy programs should serve populations that show out of the ordinary needs, such as geographic areas with low reading scores and high poverty levels. Nonprofit organizations and equivalent educational institutions, including public libraries, are eligible to apply for support for existing and provably successful literacy programs that have been established for a minimum of two years.
 
Grant applications are considered as they are received. There are no specific deadlines.
Free Grant Notices
The GrantStation Insider is GrantStation's weekly newsletter filled with the latest information on grantmakers, upcoming grant deadlines, and news that will assist the serious grantseeker. When you read the GrantStation Insider each week, every link will take you to updated and relevant information.
 
The GrantStation Insider is filled with the latest national and regional grant opportunities, as well as upcoming federal deadlines delivered directly to you each week on Thursday.
Testing For Lead in Child Care Drinking Water
Children six years old and younger are the most susceptible to the effects of lead exposure. Licensed child care programs in Washington are required to test their drinking water for lead and copper when seeking licensure and every six years after (WAC 110-300-0235). Child care programs must test fixtures that supply water for drinking, cooking, or preparing food or formula.

DOH offers free water testing through the Environmental Protection Agency’s WIIN Grant. The Department of Health (DOH) has identified over 5,500 licensed childcare programs serving approximately 178,000 children. Register for our free lead and copper testing program. DOH staff will follow up with additional details. If you have questions or want more information about the free testing program, contact us at leadfreekids@doh.wa.gov or 564-669-1098.
Earn Your Short Certificate In Early Childhood Education At SVC
Working Families Tax Credit
Washington State Early Learning Coordination Plan
Washington’s statewide Early Learning Coordination Plan (ELCP) is a tool to help the many people who care about children and families to coordinate and prioritize actions.

The ELCP was created to strengthen the capacity of Washington state’s parents, caregivers, early learning professionals, community partners, Tribal Nations, state agencies, and policy makers to foster healthy development and school readiness among our state’s youngest children (from prenatal to age eight); support the families of young children; eliminate systemic racism and oppression from our early learning system; and elevate the providers and professionals who serve the state’s children and families.
Workshops, Trainings & Events
Educator Workshops Through Sno-Isle
Exploring the Art of Picture Books
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
In-person event through Sno-Isle
At the Mukilteo Library

The images in picture books can be powerful teaching tools for young children. Use your favorite books to inspire art education and visual storytelling. Explore wordless picture books and discover tips for using them with your preschool kids.

Washington state clock hours (2) are available for this class. 
FREE
Black Kids Camp Too, Don't They?
Saturday, April 27, 2024 
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Online event through Sno-Isle

In this interactive class, early childhood educators will learn how recent picture books portray Black children having immersive experiences in nature and loving the outdoors. When providers acknowledge the importance of representation in these books, they can use them in more culturally responsive ways. Presenters Dr. Michelle Martin and Dr. Elizabeth Mills have developed a literary framework that explores the commonalities among these books—features that can spark innovative programming ideas for providers to use with children.

Washington state clock hours (2) are available for this class. 
FREE
Family/Caregiver Supports
Working Connections Child Care
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families pay for child care. When a family qualifies for child care subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, the state pays a portion of the cost of child care. Parents may be responsible for a copayment to their provider each month.
Diaper Related Payment benefit to TANF/SFA households
Diaper Related Payment benefit will begin Nov. 1, 2023. The Community Services Division will automatically issue $100 each month to a TANF/SFA household that has an eligible child under 3 years old to support with child-related necessities as diapers, pull-ups and wipes. The passage of SB 5838 (2022 session) and subsequent funding under ESSB 5187 (2023 session) has made the creation and implementation of the Diaper Related Payment benefit possible.
Island County Parent to Parent Support & Social Groups
There are many support and social groups now open again to the community. Learn more below about these opportunities.
The Fleet & Family Support Center
Island County Public Health Resources

New Baby, New Family is a local home visiting program. They provide supportive care for families with a newborn and pregnant mothers. Learn More.

New Mom’s Group is an extension of the New Baby, New Family Program. This is an informal gathering of new mothers and their infants. There is no registration or fee. Learn More.

Breastfeeding Class - Monthly Every Third Tuesday from 2:00-3:00 pm. Class location: 1791 NE 1st Avenue Oak Harbor, WA 98277. This is a free class taught by a Nurse and Lactation Consultant. Learn More.

Island County Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs - CYSHCN is a federally and state funded Title V Maternal-Child Health Bureau program offered through Island County. It provides: Linkages and coordination of services for all children with special needs as well as limited equipment and supplies to those families that meet financial and other program eligibility requirements. Learn More.
Do you have updates or resources you'd like to share with the broader network?
Community Corner: Resources and More!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Now Available on Whidbey! - All children under 5 in Island County are not eligible for free books mailed monthly to their homes. LEARN MORE - DOWNLOAD A FLYER


Child Care Provider Health Coverage - Employees of licensed child care facilities now have access to a NEW Health Care Premium Assistance Program through Washington Health Benefit Exchange. LEARN MORE

Virtual & In-Person Storytimes -

Whidbey Island Essential Needs Program - now available to help Whidbey Island friends and neighbors with practical needs like housing set-up expenses, utilities, and one-time extraordinary expenses like car repairs. LEARN MORE

Healthy Island Youth Initiative Scholarships - can be requested to cover registration fees, equipment vouchers, and other expenses that are a barrier to a child/youth pursuing an organized physical activity anywhere throughout Island County. LEARN MORE

Mother Mentors of Whidbey Island FREE Parent Support Circle - A new Parent Support Circle is a FREE community offering on Monday mornings twice a month from 10:30 - 11:30 via Zoom (in-person gatherings coming soon in North and South Whidbey). For more information, follow their Instagram page.

New Parent Support Home Visitation Program - The New Parent Support Home Visitation Program (NPSHVP) is a team of professionals providing supportive and caring services to military families with children 0-36 months of age. This program offers expectant parents and parents of newborn and young children the opportunity to learn new skills as parents and to improve existing parenting skills, in the privacy of their own home.  LEARN MORE

Island County Human Services Referral Form - The pandemic has impacted everyone in our community in one way or another. For many this has led to difficulties with increasing stress, finding childcare, parenting, housing, anxiety, depression, substance use, or in a number of other areas. We are in this together and there is help! Please complete this form, or call our Help Line at 360-678-2346 and someone will contact you to see how we can help. LEARN MORE


Check out our new website!
Questions? Contact us at PYC@whidbeyfoundation.org
PYC is a fiscally sponsored program of Whidbey Community Foundation.