Launched in September 2018, IMPACT™ (Inclusion Mentorship Program for increasing Access in Childcare Team) has already made a significant impact on the early learning community in King County. The program, which provides training and support to childcare centers so that they can welcome children with special needs up to age 5, has already added 12 local providers to its roster of partners. The IMPACTeam™ is currently working with more than 70 kids and 25 individual teaching staff and child care directors.
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“Instead of opening new preschools like the two we already have, we are reaching out to existing preschool staffs across the county and bringing in our expertise to demonstrate how educators can accept kids with disabilities in their own preschools, making them inclusive,” says Laura Kneedler, VP of education & therapy services at Northwest Center Kids.With such early success, it’s no surprise that IMPACT is growing exponentially, recently hiring three new employees including a nurse. Learn more about IMPACT and how it can change the early learning landscape.
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 You Make the Difference
Gavin used to sit by himself at daycare. At just over a year old, he wasn’t walking like the other kids in his class. Instead of including him with the other children, the staff told his mom and dad to find another school.
Gavin’s mom and dad found Northwest Center Kids. Gavin’s world changed that day. Now he plays, learns, and is included with kids of all abilities. That’s the kind of impact that our IMPACT program is already having on children throughout King County. With your support, we could reach as many as 6,000 children like Gavin in just three years. To donate, visit nwcenter.org/give today |
