Early Learning Resource Fair 9/20

It’s back to school for kids of all ages! Back to school as I remember meant picking out one new outfit, the latest cartoon superhero lunch box, and flashiest pencil sets. Even as a veteran student today myself, my personal love for learning cannot completely suppress that terrifying -“oh my gosh…summer is over!”- panic elicited by the approaching first day back at school.

For parents and little ones, who haven’t yet developed a back to school routine of their own, the process can be confusing and even daunting. These first getting to school adventures should be exciting and encouraging for families and their youngest learners.

Universal access to early learning information and community resources is essential for a thriving early learning community. According to the Department of Early Learning’s Parent Needs Assessment, most parents want more information on early learning. The most requested was information about activities, events, and family community services.

This September 20, 2008 will begin a tradition of the Early Learning Resource Fair. The fair is the Foundation’s way to kick-off fall’s back to school. To help support children, parents, families and the community in getting school ready! The event will include early learning resources and activities at over 60 locations in Washington State stretching from Spokane to Walla Walla, and Wenatchee to the Puget Sound.

The downtown Seattle activities for the Early Learning Resource Fair will be held at Westlake Center 11am-3pm and the downtown Seattle Public children’s library. We hope to reach all kinds of families in the hustle and bustle of the fall back to school season. Most importantly the Foundation strives to reach those families and communities who have not yet been exposed to the richness of information and resources made available by the movement of early learning in Washington. Equal access and equality of experiences in early learning can start with the sharing of resources and knowledge.

Just like kids fill up their backpacks full of the supplies they need to help them explore, develop, wonder and grow…why not stock up entire families and communities with the information and resources they need as well? After all, getting school ready is a family and a community event. Everyone is involved!

To learn more about the Early Learning Resource Fair visit:
http://www.earlylearning.org/events/early-learning-resource-fair/