Welcome to the Washington State Association of Head Start and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program
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The Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP (WSA) is a non profit organization composed of representatives from Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant Head Start, Native American Head Start and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).WSA provides high quality training and advocates for the children, families, staff and friends of Head Start and ECEAP programs throughout the state of Washington. |
It's Time for the 2008 Summer Institute!We have a great line-up planned for the 2008 Summer Institute held at Central Washington University in Ellensburg June 16-18, 2008. This event is a great opportunity to get in-depth training - 20 hour courses in a single topic area, with college credit available. Based on our survey of the membership and discussions with our programs and partners in Early Learning, we are offering the following eight courses at the 2008 Summer Institute:
WSA Letter to Senator Patty MurrayCongress is about to start discussing appropriations legislation, which will determine whether or not additional funding will be made available to programs like Head Start. With the help of Head Start and Early Head Start directors from around the state, WSA has written a letter to Senator Murray outlining some of the challenges programs are facing due to lack of funding, and requesting an increase of $472 million in Fiscal Year 2009 in order to restore services and help programs meet new requirements. Letter to Senator Murray (PDF)
Legislative Update - 3/28/08Governor Signs Washington Head Start Legislation For a link to the final legislation, along with the full legislative update (including updates on Head Start funding and regulations and other events and activities) click here. WSA Excellence AwardsAt the WSA Winter Meeting Rep. Ruth Kagi presented awards to members of the Head Start and ECEAP community who accomplished great things in 2007. WSA parents, staff, and directors do amazing things within their programs, communities, and in advocating with their elected officials and beyond. The WSA Excellence Awards recognized folks who have made a significant contribution to children and families, whether it is through hard work and enthusiasm, innovation, leadership, or just all-around excellence. The 2007 Parent Excellence Award went to Frank Parker, a hardworking and involved grandfather with Early Childhood Opportunities Northwest who donated countless hours and expertise to enhance learning experiences for children in Head Start in Bellingham. The 2007 Staff Excellence Award went to Linda Chugani of Neighborhood House in Seattle, for her creativity and deep commitment to the children and families in her diverse classroom. The 2007 Director Excellence Award went to Jim Skucy, who has provided exemplary leadership in his 18 years at Benton Franklin Head Start. The 2007 Excellence in Innovation Award went to Skagit/Islands Head Start staff, who demonstrated innovation in the areas of bilingual language learning in a wide variety of ways. We look forward to hearing from the folks at Skagit/Islands at future WSAmeetings, as we learn from each other how to implement innovative, successful programs. For more information about each of our winners, click here. New WSA Board Members ElectedSuccessful board elections were held at the WSA Winter Meeting in February, and we’re delighted to announce that we have a new President-Elect, Cathy Garland. Cathy is Director of Early Learning at Children’s Home Society, which operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs in South King County and Walla Walla. She will serve as President-Elect under current President Janet Anderson (Olympic Community Action) this year, then will begin her 2-year term as President of WSA in January of 2009. We also warmly welcome our elected and appointed new board members:
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