Category: News

Participants needed to revise DCYF’s Core Competencies

By School's Out Washington

SOWA is seeking participants for a focus group that will help with revisions for the Washington State Core Competencies for Child and Youth Development Professionals.    The goal of this project is to update the Washington State Core Competencies for Child and Youth Development Professionals so that they align to current national and state frameworks, best practices, and provider voice and expertise. We will be working with Jen Siaca Curry from Change Impact as our consultant to complete a review of national standards, synthesize input from provider focus groups, and provide summary recommendations to DCYF.   We are looking for a diverse and representative group to support this process. Focus group members would be … [ ]

2022 Summer Program Fund RFP is now open!

By School's Out Washington

2022 Summer Program Fund School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is partnering with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to administer a second round of funding through the Summer Program Fund—a statewide opportunity for summer programs, serving young people ages 4-21 in Washington. Approximately $4.5M will be invested in summer programs through contracts ranging from $10,000 – $50,000 for Summer 2022. The RFP process is now open and applications are due by 11:59 PM on, Monday, December 6, 2021. Funding decisions will be made by mid-February, 2022 Nonprofit community-based organizations, including religious organizations, will be prioritized for funding. Small businesses and … [ ]

2021 Bridge Conference Hoodies!

By School's Out Washington

Look cozy at our virtual Bridge Conference and carry the theme of “From Seedlings to Stardust” with you throughout the year! We were so inspired by Stacy Nguyen‘s beautiful depiction of our Bridge theme that we wanted to offer it to all of our attendees. Purchase your sweatshirt on Bonfire from now until November 5. Order before September 30 to receive your sweatshirt in time for the Conference! Questions? Feel free to email our Marketing Manager, Tran at ttonnu@schoolsoutwashington.org.

What’s next for Best Starts for Kids?

By School's Out Washington

The Best Starts for Kids Initiative was renewed by King County voters, what happens now? How does community voice shape the next cycle of the County’s work to ensure that all of our children and families are happy, healthy, safe, and thriving? How can local program providers stay in the loop about applying for funding? Shared below is an interview with Megan McJennett, Best Starts for Kids Implementation Manager. Stay up-do-date by subscribing the Best Starts blog. Learn more about the work School’s Out Washington is doing to support the 2018 – 2021 Out-of-School Time grant. Last month, King County … [ ]

Vaccine information for youth development professionals

By School's Out Washington

Youth Development (Expanded Learning, Child Care, Mentoring, Wrap-Around) Tools for Vaccines COVID-related infections and hospitalizations have increased across the state and country. In order to keep children, youth, and those that work with them safe; Governor Inslee has signed an Executive Order mandating all K12, child care, early learning, higher education, and youth development employees be fully vaccinated or obtain a medical or religious exemption from their employer by October 18th. This impacts all programs and their employees working directly with children and youth, more information here and here. The Youth Development Strategy Table is working with the Governor’s Office … [ ]

Best Starts for Kids passes levy vote

By School's Out Washington

In August 2021, King County residents voted to renew the Best Starts for Kids Initiative. Since 2018, Schools Out Washington has partnered with King County to steward the Out-of-School Time grant, distributing funding to providers across the county and leading them through our Program Quality Improvement process. We are proud of everything this cohort has achieved in these past 4 years, and look forward to seeing the work done by Best Starts grant recipients in the future. Shared below is a message from Sheila Capestany, King County Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth. For additional information, subscribe to the Best … [ ]