Professional Colleagues Curation Collection

Professional Colleagues Audience: Curated resources and content specifically designed for colleagues working with families with preschool-aged children (3-5 years old).
*Organized by type: Curriculum & Program/Organization*

Curriculum / Guidelines Curation Items:


- Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines

https://ospi.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/2023-08/washington-state-early-learning-and-development-guidelines.pdf

Washington State’s Early Learning and Development Guidelines offer a research-based framework for supporting children’s growth and learning from birth through third grade. These Guidelines help parents, caregivers, and early educators support development across domains by describing typical milestones. They are not a curriculum; they are a reference for instruction, observation, and family engagement.

- Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) Performance Standards

dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/eceap/2025-26-ECEAP-Performance-Standards.pdf

ECEAP performance standards set requirements for delivering high-quality early learning and family support services in Washington State. They guide monitoring and compliance for free, comprehensive whole-child services (education, health coordination, and family support), with an equity focus for children and families furthest from opportunity. Key components include comprehensive services, family engagement, cultural relevance, equity, and continuous improvement.


Program/Organization Curation Items:


- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

https://www.naeyc.org/

NAEYC is a leading U.S. nonprofit that advances high-quality early childhood education from birth through age 8. Founded in 1926, NAEYC supports educators, families, and policymakers through accreditation, professional learning (conferences, webinars, publications, and online training), and advocacy that links research, policy, and practice to promote equitable, developmentally appropriate education.

- Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD)

https://www.psesd.org/about-psesd

Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) 121 is a regional education agency in Washington that supports diverse schools and communities. It works to build just, humanizing learning environments where students thrive, with a commitment to antiracist, multicultural practice and closing opportunity gaps. PSESD provides programs and services, including professional learning, and partners with community-based organizations to support students and families across the Puget Sound region.

- Bright Spark Early Learning Services

https://www.brightspark.org/about/

BrightSpark Early Learning Services is a Washington nonprofit that supports child-centered, antiracist early learning. Founded in 1990, it serves children, families, caregivers, and providers across King and Pierce Counties by expanding access to child care and strengthening early learning quality. BrightSpark offers direct support to programs such as the Seattle Preschool Program, plus tuition and family financial assistance information. It also provides caregiver supports and technical assistance for licensed providers.
Working locally in King & Peirce counties, and across Washington State, BrightSpark partners with providers and families to help them find and access quality early learning, including culturally relevant options, extended-hour care, and supports for children with special needs.

- Early Achievers

https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/early-achievers

Early Achievers is Washington’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), designed to strengthen early learning quality and help families choose child care.
Managed by DCYF, the program supports providers serving children birth–5 (and sometimes up to 12) through coaching, training, and quality recognition tied to school readiness.
Families can compare participating programs using quality ratings and tools like Child Care Check. Providers can join at no cost, access coaching, and professional learning, and earn levels based on standards such as health and safety, learning environments, and staff qualifications.
Early Achievers aligns with programs such as Working Connections Child Care, ECEAP, and Head Start, and participation is required for many state-funded services under the Early Start Act of 2015.

- Child Care Aware of Washington (CCAofWA)

https://childcareawarewa.org/

Child Care Aware of Washington is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Washington state has access to high-quality child care and early learning programs. The organization operates the only free Child Care Finder in the state and provides robust resources to strengthen child care businesses. They advocate for better access to child care for all families, including those furthest from opportunity. Their programs include consumer education materials, mental health support, and partnerships with six Regional Partners to strengthen child care businesses. Child Care Aware of Washington is a thorough and accessible source of information and support in early care and education for children from birth to 12 years. They work alongside families, child care providers, caregivers, and communities to meet the diverse and specialized learning needs of every child in the state.