In 2016, when the Bellevue School District lost Head Start funding, Bellevue’s ability to serve low-income and homeless preschool-age children was severely impacted. The Foundation stepped in.

The District’s Early Learning Program secured additional state-funded, half-day preschool slots to help replace the Head Start loss. While homeless children have the highest priority for these state-funded preschool slots, typically they miss out because half-day slots do not adequately meet their needs, and State-funded slots are typically not available after the end of September. Unfortunately, children experience the trauma of homelessness at any time of the year.

Thanks to community support and donations to the Foundation, every child who registered in the fall of 2016 and who would have qualified for Head Start attended half-day preschool. They experienced high-quality early learning, nutrition, health screening, and family support services. They also made incredible progress: year-end assessments show growth in six key areas (social/emotional, cognitive, language, literacy, math, and physical) that closed achievement gaps. This growth during the time of a child’s critical brain development will make a positive and lasting impact on their lives. Research shows life benefits include improved graduation rates, incomes, and health.

Since 2016, early learning has been a major focus of the Foundation. Our donors continue to ensure that homeless and low-income children receive the care they deserve.