Snohomish County has declared the week of April 16 through 20, 2018 as the “Week of the Young Child.” A thriving, diverse community depends on the quality of life we provide to young children and their families.

The Week of the Young Child spotlights early learning providers in Snohomish County such as Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Head Start, which provide services that meet the needs of children age birth to five and their families.

In addition to supporting children’s development, education and health, these programs support parents as children’s first teachers and life-long guides. Parents have an opportunity to play an active role in designing classroom educational and developmental activities, as well as participate as volunteers in program planning and operations. Parents are also supported to build skills and community networks toward increased family stability: parenting, health, finances, education, employment, and leadership.

A large number of families living in Snohomish County are eligible for these early learning programs but are not being served. The goal for our community is to engage all income-eligible children and their families in an early learning program that supports healthy child development and increased family stability. As part of our continuous recruitment efforts, Early Head Start, ECEAP and Head Start are launching a county-wide outreach in April. Watch for our early learning flyers and postcards going out to income-eligible households and local community organizations and businesses.

“Our early learning programs target our most important community asset, our children,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County executive in a press release. “We want to encourage all families who qualify to engage in these programs. I have seen first-hand how they can make all the difference in a family.”

The Snohomish County Human Services Department helps all persons meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community. The Early Learning Division engages in respectful partnerships with family members and community groups to nurture development, education and well-being of young children and their families.