2010 Informal meetings began in August.
2011 In March, monthly meetings began in Ellensburg.
Attendees engaged in Gap Analysis Surveys.
The group hosted a community Early Learning Education Fair
2012 Foundation for Early Learning Grant $1000 to Child Care Aware of Central Washington, a program of Catholic Family & Child Service led by Maria Vasquez with facilitation by Mary Allison of One Accord Partners developed the Kittitas County Early Learning Coalition and engaged in strategic plan development.
June 21, 2012 – Jan 30, 2013
2013 Washington Early Achievers Outreach Partnership Grant $1000
Planned and hosted 6 Parent Child Early Learning Events focused on Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines; and Early Learning Education Fair. Provided Developmental Screening at all events and the Early Learning Fair. Foundation for Early Learning Grant $15,000 Coalition development. Developmental Screening at all events Two Ready for Kindergarten Events (Cle Elum and Ellensburg).
READY! for Kindergarten in partnership with the Ellensburg School District
Investigated bringing this program to families in Ellensburg.
Foundation for Early Learning Phase 1 STEM Grant $35,000
September 1, 2013 – February 28, 2015
Designed and hosted STEM Parent Child Early Learning events
2014 Designed and hosted 11 Parent Child Early Learning Events
Ellensburg School District Education Foundation Grant $1000
For English and Spanish books for Early Learners in ESD 401
Ellensburg Summer Book Mobile – 5 events
Free English and Spanish books for children 0 through 5
READY! for Kindergarten in partnership with the Ellensburg School District
One class for 4-5 year olds English - Facilitator Shannon Selzler
By-Laws adopted and election of Board Members
Secured a storage unit and began purchasing equipment for events.
2015 Thrive WA Phase 1 STEM Grant amended to provide an additional $2000
Thrive WA – Thrive By Five STEM Cohort 1 Phase 2 Grant $23,000
4/1/15-3/31/16
Molina Healthcare Community Volunteer Award $1000
Received 501(c)3
READY! for Kindergarten in partnership with the Ellensburg School District
Expanded to 2 English Classes
Funded program coordinator.
Designed and hosted 17 Parent Child Early Learning Events
2016 Thrive WA STEM Phase 3 Grant $25,000
4/1/16 – 3/31/17
Ellensburg School District Education Foundation Grant $500
For English and Spanish books for Early Learners in ESD 401
Yakima Valley Community Foundation Grant $4000
11/1/16-8/31/17
Parent Child Early Learning Events
READY! for Kindergarten in partnership with the Ellensburg School District
2 English classes and 1 Spanish class
Designed and hosted 18 Parent Child Early Learning Events in Ellensburg and Kittitas
2017 Ellensburg School District Education Foundation Grant $500
Investing in Children Grant $3000
Legends Casino Grant $2000
Umpqua Bank Community Grant $3000
Yakima Valley Community Foundation Grant $4000
Kittitas County Public Health Champion Award. $500
The award is in recognition of the coalition’s work to improve the health and success of young children and their families. Designed and hosted 17 Parent Child Early Learning Events in Ellensburg and Kittitas
READY! for Kindergarten in partnership with the Ellensburg School District 3 English and 3 Spanish classes. 2018 City of Ellensburg Grant $2500
Umpqua Bank Community Grant $3000
Yakima Valley Community Foundation $10,000
READY! for Kindergarten in partnership with the Ellensburg School District
3 English Classes and 2 Spanish Classes
Designed and hosted 18 Parent Child Early Learning Events in Ellensburg and Kittitas
Purchased a cargo trailer.
2019 Designed and hosted 18 Parent Child Early Learning Events in Ellensburg and Kittitas Focused on strengthening event activities, selection and purchase of educational tools and children's books. Increased participation in the regional early learning coalition, Investing in Children.
2020 -2022 COVID - Designed and implemented monthly Drive Thru events and massive home delivery to distribute books, educational tools, activity ideas. Outreach to develop relationships with more partners who engage families and distribute books and educational tools. Beneficial Books initiated. Participated in National Night Out. As of May 2020, we went to all VOLUNTEERS and gave up our part-time event coordinator position. Added a second storage unit to accomodate our expanding program.
2022 Sep through May 2023 Resumed in person events and continued home delivery. Beneficial Books funded and increased partnerships.
2023 In person events. Increased distribution through partnrs. Developed a stronger volunteer team. Participated in National Night Out. Expanded distribution through more first responder agencies. Increased distribution of books at Rotarian Little Libraries in low income communities. Increased and strengthened our volunteer team. Initiated and implemented Beneficial Books for families in Maine in response to the 10/25/23 mass shooting.