The first years are important to a child’s life. Parents want the best for their children’s future. When it comes to child care, parents can have difficulty finding a safe place that is affordable, and promotes strong learning opportunities.

Early Learning at CHSW is unique. Our staff explores the needs of a child and their family as a whole. We support the family by getting them connected to resources such as food banks, financial assistance, parenting groups, and family advocates. We help them break down their goals into manageable steps to set them up for success. Then parents and staff work collaboratively to ensure a child’s goals are being met.

“When my son was first born I had some challenges and was a single parent, but CHSW staff worked with our family no matter our circumstances,” said Rebecca Moon, mother of a Highline Early Learning Center preschooler. “The staff and I always collaborate, so I can support what my son is learning in preschool at home. When I work and attend school, I know he’s safe and happy with his preschool teachers.”

We have several locations in South Seattle and South King County that provide opportunities to children from birth to age 5. Our wraparound services offer access to mental health professionals, nutritionists, nurse consultants, educators, and home visitors.

“Highline Early Learning Center is a state of the art facility offering comprehensive services where the child and family grow and learn together, while preparing the child for kindergarten,” said Abby Ajaero, site supervisor at Highline Early Learning Center.

We also have home-based programs designed to build the parent-child bond and to coach the parent as their child’s first teacher. 

“It’s about helping a parent build a tool box,” said Julie Friend, home-base supervisor in Early Learning. “We look at where the child is developmentally and then offer coaching to the parent. The program is for eligible families who are pregnant or have kids under age 3. Our home visitors have earned degrees in early learning or social work. By strengthening the parent-child relationship, we are helping a child reach their full potential.”

Our Early Learning programs provide interactive activities that are meaningful and intentional. Activities are based on things specific to what that child is interested in.

Another benefit of CHSW’s Early Learning programs are the connection families feel when they can share experiences with each other. Family events are scheduled to promote support and community.

We offer Early Learning at Highline Early Learning Center in Des Moines and at the South King County Family Resource Center in Kent. We have open spots for the fall. For more information.

Karlee Calvin is a program manager for Early Learning.