| As we enter into the second half of our year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve done together and what lies ahead. Over the last six months, it has become even more apparent to us what’s possible when community shows up. In February, we gathered at the State Capitol, and for the entire day, we met with legislators and highlighted the key issues at stake for children, families, and early learning professionals during the legislative session and the upcoming budget cycle. And through our Bloom Together Campaign, our community of supporters helped raise critical funds that support our advocacy efforts and programs like Holding Hope, which faced devastating budget cuts to infant and toddler mental health supports. Budget cuts also resulted in delays to ECEAP funding and insufficient investment in provider wages to ensure livable wages. The work isn’t over. This year was an incredibly challenging year for early learning. The sector faced major budget cuts, and the ones who will be impacted the most are children and families. This is our renewed commitment to our mission because we know that early learning lays the foundation for children’s long-term success including educational outcomes, social-emotional skills, and lifelong stability. Our work to provide accessible, high-quality early education to communities will support more adults in the workforce moving them toward economic mobility and reducing the risk of challenges like houselessness through stronger, more resilient family systems. With your support this past year, we enter the next half of the year with momentum and a deep sense of shared purpose. Your support through advocacy, donations, and community-building is the heartbeat of BrightSpark. In reflection of the the first part of the year, we’re reminded: We Are Stronger Together. With gratitude, |
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| Katie Halterman Development Director |
| News You Need to Know |
| Wins We’re Proud Of |
Capitol Connections & Education Day:
We brought dozens of families, providers, and partners to Olympia to advocate directly with lawmakers. Together, we held over 45 meetings with state legislators. See photos from the day!
Annual Professional Development Institute:
Our PD team hosted a series of trainings where 198 child care providers, 90 virtually and 108 in person, convened for powerful learning and connection.
Community Partnerships:
We partnered with some incredible businesses this year, including a fun and meaningful collaboration with the Seattle Seawolves Rugby team during their 2024 season. Check out this video to learn more!
Seattle Preschool Program:
We celebrated 28 proud preschool graduates, each one ready for their next step.
Challenges We’re Navigating
| State budget cuts to Holding Hope mean less staff members equipped to support children, families and child care providers through mental health consultations. A lack of progressive revenue solutions leaves us facing another year of doing more with less, directly impacting our ability to expand access and maintain quality. The policy and funding landscape remains volatile, especially for programs designed to support communities historically left out of decision-making. |
Spark Spotlight: Holding Hope
Holding Hope: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Funding for this vital program was cut in half, forcing us to reduce our team of mental health consultants from nine to just two. As a result, fewer children, families, and providers will get the expert support they need to navigate emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges.
BrightSpark annually works with over 2,100 child care providers and reaches more than 25,000 children across King and Pierce Counties. Our mental health consultants play a key role in supporting child development milestones, social-emotional and behavioral health, provider and family well-being, and positive classroom environments.
This is an ongoing need, and we’re getting creative in our new fiscal year to find ways to continue delivering this critical service. This is where you can make a difference. Your support helps us sustain and reimagine mental health support for the communities that need it most.
Built-In Community
We’re proud to be building strong, joyful community partnerships that both raise awareness and spark support for early learning. Here’s a look at just some of the ways we’ve connected so far this year—and what’s still ahead:
- Season-Long Partnership with the Seattle Seawolves: BrightSpark was honored to be a featured community partner during the 2024 Seattle Seawolves rugby season! From on-field shoutouts to family-friendly events, this partnership helped bring early learning into the spotlight in exciting new ways.
- Pint Nights: June–August
We teamed up with amazing local breweries to host Pint Nights across the region, raising funds and building community, one pint at a time.- June 4 – Aslan Brewing (Seattle): A lively night of connection and giving back.
- July 17 – Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery (Seattle): Join us for this upcoming event with community vibes and craft brews!
- August 6th – Top Down Brewing (Sumner): Join us for our final Pint Night of the summer in Pierce County.
- 7th Anniversary Party at Studio3 – June 21
Studio3’s big birthday bash benefitted BrightSpark! It was an unforgettable morning filled with movement, music, community, and celebration of shared values. - Drag Queen Story Hour – Friday, June 20
Hosted in a welcoming, inclusive space, this joyful literacy event brought families together to celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the power of reading aloud.
We’re so grateful for our partners, and excited to continue growing a community that champions early learning in every corner of our region.
Interested in partnering with us?
Upcoming Events
July 17 – Pint Night at Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery
August 6 – Pint Night at Top Down Brewing
Follow us on social media for the latest updates, information surrounding our evolution into BrightSpark Early Learning Services, and opportunities to support our work.
All photos on this email are credited to ©LisaBontjePhotography