Learning for Life
Getting Involved in Early Learning
(Series originally aired November 2009)
There are many ways for people to get involved in early learning and make a difference. Getting involved can mean connecting with other parents when a child is first born, so that you have the support and information you need to be the best parent possible during those immensely happy, but often tiring and trying, early years. It can mean making your voice heard online or in Olympia. And it can mean acting locally. There are many ways to make a difference and help ensure a great start for Washington’s children.
November's series kicks off with a look at the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS), the Seattle-area program that’s spent almost three decades helping thousands of bleary-eyed new parents connect with each other and create an invaluable support system that can last through the teen years. We’ll look at ways parents – and everyone else who cares about young children – can make a difference in their community. And we’ll talk about to make your voice heard in Olympia on the new statewide early learning plan that’s being developed and other children’s issues.
11.16.09
New Parents Find Support with PEPS: Becoming a new parent is one of the biggest changes in a person's life. With the new baby comes a host of changes and challenges for the parents to learn and adjust to. That's why an organization called Program for Early Learning Supprt (PEPS) was created in 1983 to help new moms and dads find support from other new families in their neighborhood.
Interview with Jan Faull, Janelle Durham of PEPS: New parents living in the same general vicinity are encouraged to join a PEPS group before their child is four months old. Jan Faull and Janelle Durham from the PEPS program explains why it's so important for new parents to find support from their peers and other new parents.
11.17.09
Children's Alliance Helping Parents Advocate for Early Education: Jon Gould from the Children's Alliance talks about the role of Children's Alliance in Washington and how parents can make their voices heard with local representatives.
11.18.09
Community Cafe brings parents, neighborhood together: Neighborhood groups that invite parents to get together and share are growing in popularity. They're called Community Cafes. Parents share wisdom and build neighborhood bonds.
11.19.09
The Role of Early Learning Coalitions: Thrive by Five Washington and the Foundation for Early Learning support the championing of early learning withing Early Learning Coalitions throughout the state. Julee Durham with the United Way of Thurston County explains the role of these coalitions in Washington communities.
11.20.09
Funding State Early Learning Programs Amid Budget Cuts: With the state budget ax falling on so many worthy programs this year, those left standing are fighting for precious few dollars. Dr. Betty Hyde, the state's early learning director, and Nina Auerback, president of Thrive by Five Washington, explains what the state is doing to support early learning.
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