Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Initiative

Geographic Scope: King County, Washington

Focus Areas:

• Expanded learning opportunities for youth
• Quality improvement in youth programs
• Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) implementation

Program Description:
Grants support youth development organizations in King County. Grantees participate in Youth Program Quality Improvement model cycles throughout a three-year grant cycle. Organizations self-select into cohorts based on YPQI experience and staff capacity, with access to required and recommended meetings and trainings.

Eligibility:

• Youth development organizations in King County
• Programs committed to continuous quality improvement
• Organizations willing to participate in YPQI process and learning communities

Support Provided:

• Self-assessments and external assessments
• Actionable improvement plans
• Professional learning supports including coaching, training, and peer learning
• Quarterly Learning Community Meetings

Contact:

• Ka'ohe Wong (cohort coordination)
• School's Out Washington
• 625 Andover Park W, Suite #101
• Tukwila, WA 98188
• Phone: 206.323.2396
• info@schoolsoutwashington.org

Application Process

For more information about participating in the Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Initiative:

1. Contact Ka'ohe Wong at School's Out Washington for inquiry and registration
2. Organizations should be interested in participating in Youth Program Quality Improvement model
3. Self-selection into cohorts based on YPQI experience and staff capacity
4. Commitment to participate in required and recommended meetings and trainings throughout three-year grant cycle