Gorge Early Learning Coalition
Welcome
Coalition Partners
Ft. Vancouver Regional Library
Mid Columbia Children’s Council
Skamania Klickitat Community Network
ESD 112
Support for Early Learning & Families
Southwest Washington Early Learning Coalition
White Salmon School District
Stevenson-Carson School District
WeeCare of Stevenson
Goldendale School District
Coalition Vision
In Skamania and Klickitat
counties our youngest
children are valued, nurtured
and prepared for success in
school and life by community
investment in early learning.
Mission Statement
To prepare our youngest
children for success by
connecting families and
communities.
This is achieved by:

Emphasizing the crucial role of parents as their child’s
first teacher.

Encouraging community based learning opportunities
for children and families.

Developing innovative methods of sharing knowledge,
information, and programs that contribute towards
every child’s health, development and future school
success.

Serving as advocates for the purpose of educating our
communities about the importance of early childhood
education.
Emphasizing the crucial role of
parents as their child’s first teacher.
Information and discussions at Learn and
Plays.
Resources, free books and handouts for
parents and children at events and
activities.
Love, Talk, Play messaging
Encouraging community based learning
opportunities for children and families.
Establishment of Learn and Play programs in White Salmon, B-Z
Corner, Stevenson and Goldendale. Summer L&P programs
supported by Ft. Vancouver regional Library.
Week of the Young Child events:
Math Carnivals, parades, Head Start activities, local proclamations.
Free film series-”Where Do The Children Play?” and “Including
Samuel”.
Supported Dallesport’s Summer 2015 Reading Program
Developing innovative methods of
sharing knowledge, information, and
programs that contribute towards
every child’s health, development and
future school success.
Family resource tables at Learn and Play programs in
White Salmon, Stevenson and Goldendale.
Outreach to schools, home school groups, child care
sites, agencies and organizations.
Attendance at community events.
Tom Drummond: Mathematics and Design Training.
REACH equity training August 2015.
Serving as advocates for the purpose of
educating our communities about the
importance of early childhood education.
Hosted visit by Dr. Betty Hyde,
Director of Washington State’s Department of Early Learning.
Participated in development of Washington State Early Learning Plan.
Standing member of state level
Southwest Washington Early Learning Coalition
WaKIDS Pilot Program in Whitson Elementary, White Salmon.
(Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills)
Dr. David Willis, Infant and Early Child Development Matters.
ACEs and resiliency awareness trainings provided..
Advocacy efforts for Early Start legislation early 2015.
Participated in REACH equity training August 2015.
Ongoing Work

Parent Information and Support
GOAL: To achieve a cultural norm with parents and families aware of the importance of early
learning/literacy, school readiness expectations, and the resources available to support
parent/family success as their child’s first teacher.

School Readiness
GOAL: To develop a clear understanding of what it takes to be school ready across agencies,
families and the greater community; and to engage parents and children in school readiness
and early literacy activities.

Early Care and Education
GOAL: Professional Development and Training is easily accessible to all early learning providers
through a coordinated system of resources resulting in a more effective, integrated system
that utilizes onsite follow-up and mentoring. Family care providers are connected through a
Provider Network.
Because All Our Kids Matter
Work together
Continued commitment
Shared successes