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Press Release

For Immediate Release

*Contact Information*

Silvia Pereida

silvia.pereida@seattle.gov



*Seattle Preschool Program Wins Third National Gold Medal for High-Quality, Accessible Early Learning Programming*

*Seattle *(January 24) – The Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) has received a third gold medal for high-quality preschool programming. This is the seventh year SPP has received national recognition. The award was presented by CityHealth [ https://www.cityhealth.org/2024-assessment/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University for Seattle’s publicly funded preschools, which includes SPP, Seattle’s Pathway program, and the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program. Seattle was one of 27 cities, out of 75 rated by CityHealth, to receive a gold medal award for high-quality, accessible preschool programming this year. 

CityHealth annually rates high-quality, accessible pre-K policies in cities with criteria that set the “gold standard” in each policy area. The criteria are developed with input from national experts and backed by evidence.

*Criteria include:*


* *Access:* Establishes a 30% access threshold for pre-K programs
* *Equity:* City collects demographic data that allows local leaders and residents see who their community is receiving services
* *Local Funding: *Local funding is included in a city’s pre-K program

"View the NIEER Pre-K benchmarks here: ""https://www.cityhealth.org/our-policy-package/high-quality-accessible-prek/"; [ https://www.cityhealth.org/our-policy-package/high-quality-accessible-prek/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

“All children and families, regardless of background or where they live in our city, deserve access to high-quality early learning programs,” said *Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell*. “This national recognition highlights how our city’s investments in early childhood education are closing opportunity gaps, breaking down barriers for families, and supporting thousands of children as we continue to build on the success of the Seattle Preschool Program.”

“The Seattle Preschool Program is successful, and recognized for its good work, because of the excellent work of our SPP teachers,” said *Councilmember Maritza Rivera, District 4. *“They are helping children build strong cognitive, emotional, and language skills, and laying a foundation for lifelong learning.Early education has been shown to lead to better academic outcomes for our children, and there are 2,500 children being given a strong start through the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy. I am so proud of the commitment from SPP and DEEL to serve and support these kids.”

The honors stem from an annual, national report [ https://www.cityhealth.org/2023-assessment/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] released by NIEER that rates how 75 of the largest U.S. cities are leading on policies that address health and well-being, including 10 standards for high-quality, accessible pre-K. Between 2018 and 2021, SPP received silver medal awards from CityHealth. With ongoing improvements to the program, including new SPP Plus classrooms [ https://harrell.seattle.gov/2024/03/18/mayor-harrell-and-education-leaders-announce-expansion-of-citys-award-winning-seattle-preschool-program/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ], SPP received its first gold award in 2022 and again in 2023. Nearly 90% of SPP seats have been filled in a record enrollment for the 2024-25 school year, serving over 2,00 students. Enrollment for 2024-2025 SPP classes is still open [ https://earlylearning.powerappsportals.us/parentportal/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].

“This third consecutive Gold Medal is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our educators, families, and community partners who make the Seattle Preschool Program a model for excellence," said *Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning.* "By prioritizing equity, access, and high-quality learning environments, we are preparing children for success in school and in life. Together, we’re ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.”

"I am incredibly proud of the Seattle Preschool Program’s continued national recognition for excellence," said *Leilani Dela Cruz, DEEL's Director of Early Learning*. "This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to building on the success of SPP and expanding access to high-quality and equitable early learning opportunities."

Children play at Hilltop Children's Center

SPP is supported by the 2018 voter approved, Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise [ https://seattle.gov/education/fepp-levy?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] (FEPP) Levy which monitors the progress of the City’s strategy to eliminate race-based opportunity gaps in educational outcomes. Read the 2022-2023 DEEL Annual report [ https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/DEEL/Results/Reports%20and%20Data/FEPP%20Levy%20Reports/2024_DEEL_Annual%20Report_Web_Release102124.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] highlighting FEPP Levy investments across Seattle. As highlighted in the NIEER report, research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs they are more likely to have better academic and life outcomes – from successfully graduating high school to staying healthy, attend college, and have better mental and physical health. Currently 68% of SPP children enrolled in the 2024-2025 school year qualified for no tuition and 73% of children enrolled are from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities.

*Enroll your child in the Seattle Preschool Program today*!

Start an application at seattle.gov/applySPP [ https://earlylearning.powerappsportals.us/parentportal/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] or call 206-386-1050 for more information. Language assistance is available to complete the application.  

"Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning’s mission is to transform the lives of Seattle children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education ""www.seattle.gov/education." [ http://www.seattle.gov/education?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]"     "

 

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