| Celebrating Excellence in Early Learning |
| Dear Friends, As our latest year-in-review impact report nears release, we wanted to share a preview of the powerful outcomes our community has helped make possible.This year, 14 early learning programs across King and Pierce Counties have achieved a Level 5 quality rating, the highest possible score through Washington State’s Early Achievers system. This milestone isn’t just a number. It’s a symbol of the strength, care, and perseverance shown by the child care providers and BrightSpark coaches who make up our early learning community. Level 5 providers have demonstrated excellence in child-teacher interactions, learning environments, and ongoing commitment to quality, all while managing the day-to-day demands of running small businesses and supporting families through a rapidly shifting funding landscape. Here’s what it took to get there: Countless hours outside of the workday running a small business On-site assessment focused on the learning environment and interactions between teachers and children One-on-one coaching from BrightSpark’s Early Learning team A belief in their own growth and a desire to offer the very best to the children they serve |
| “Becoming a level 5 has been such an amazing accomplishment to have and uphold. If I have to choose one thing to be most proud of, I would say becoming the first center in the city of Lakewood to receive such a high honor.” Tatianna Sparks, Director of KidZone Learning Center III |
This is just a glimpse of the full picture and we can’t wait to show you more next month when we release our full 2024-2025 Community Impact Report. Check out a sneak peek below!
Thank you for standing with BrightSpark, our partner providers, and the children and families who count on access to high-quality care.
With gratitude,
The BrightSpark Team
Impact in Action: A Sneak Peek
| Last year, our Professional Growth & Development Team… Served 1,274 Child Care Providers Offered 119 unique classes Completed 92 custom trainings Last year, our Brothers & Sisters Program… Supported 46 student caregivers ages 9-18 who look after their younger siblings Of those students, 97% were students of color Last year, Best Starts for Kids… Provided subsidies to 944 families – that’s over 1,500 children who were able to access child care Distributed $14,478,736.44 to help families afford care |
All photos on this email are credited to ©LisaBontjePhotography