The Advocate
The Advocate is updated in the first week of every other month September through May, containing articles relating to private school issues, representation, and local-to-national news relevant to independent schools.
Parents returning to work, but child care industry continues struggle with COVID-19 impact
As Seattle begins to emerge from the pandemic, the city’s child care providers say they are short-staffed and underfunded. DCYF has estimated 104 providers — 4,607 childcare spots — are closed, but the true count is likely larger as figures used are not current.
Childcare Aware’s Deeann Puffert meeting with WFIS Early Learning Directors
Deeann Puffert, Chief Executive Officer of Childcare Aware of Washington met with the early learning directors who run programs connected to K12 private schools. With over 250 early learning programs connected to private schools, WFIS’ role in providing direct access and advocacy for our programs is vital.
FCC Approves Emergency Connectivity Fund
The $7.1 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECFP) passed as part of the latest COVID relief bill will be available for schools to purchase laptops, tablets, hotspots, and other forms of connectivity for students and teachers. Within the next two months, the FCC will open an initial 45-day application window allowing schools to seek funding for future purchases of approved services and devices.
What a Celebration! YAY for Fair Start for Kids!
WFIS joined more than 200 other community advocates, childcare centers, moms & families in celebrating the signing of the Fair Start for Kids Act this morning of Friday, May 7. It was an amazing gathering with SO many people who have fought so hard for many years.
OSPI monthly meeting with WFIS
WFIS shared several questions from our private school leaders’ meetings with OSPI Superintendent Chris Reykdal at our monthly meeting. Since the COVID crisis erupted, the opportunity for a monthly check-in has provided private schools and the state agency with greater understanding and means of collaboration.
WA Care & Youth Development Recovery Workgroup
WFIS attended today’s Washington Care and Youth Development Recovery Workgroup to gain a high-level overview of details to result from the Fair Start For Kids Act passage, the $391M in stabilization grants, and implementation of DCYF’s virtual licensing visits.
Private School Advisory Committee (PSAC) spring meeting
The Private School Advisory Committee (PSAC) is made up of representatives from each private school affiliate group. This committee is responsible for making comment on graduation requirements, teacher certification changes, clock hour provider changes, accreditation, and many other topics.
EANS II: Additional Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (ARP-EANS)
Under the ARP EANS program, grants will be awarded by formula to each Governor with an approved application based on the State’s relative share of children ages 5-17 who are from families at or below 185 percent of the poverty level and enrolled in non-public schools, as determined by non-public school enrollment data from the U.S. Census
Private School Re-Approval 2021-22
A round of applause for the 454 schools who filed their annual approval applications! If your school did not get an email response acknowledging completion of the application, please double check: log in to the State Re-Approval application here. Username: Email...
WFIS Advocacy Efforts Continue
Each week of this unique session has generated an incredible amount of new information, bold ideas and conversations related to education policy and funding, as well as health and safety practices for reopening schools. School leaders have come together through WFIS...
Childcare crisis ripples through every part of WA State
WFIS values our collaboration with fellow members of ELAA on early learning issues. We make sure private school early learning directors are kept abreast of the complexities of policy and advocacy work during weekly meetings, and gain valuable insight from them about how proposed policy and changes will resonate in our schools.