Request for Investment - SPP Pathway Program Services, and Community Center Initiative 2017-18

December 1, 2016

Info Session #1: December 13, 2016,  10 am - 12 pm, Yesler Community Center

Info Session #2: December 15, 2016, 5 pm - 7 pm, Carkeek Environmental Learning Center

Info Session #3: January 3, 2017, 3 pm - 5 pm, Rainier Beach Community Center

Info Session #4: January 5, 2017, 10 am - 12 pm, Northgate Community Center

4:30 p.m., January 6, 2017 - CLOSED

Email all questions to leilani.delacruz@seattle.gov

4:30 p.m., January 13, 2017 - CLOSED

See submission instructions in Section 2.3

Download Questions and Answers Updated 01/06/17

Please refer to Pages 8 and 9 of the RFI

The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is charged with helping to ensure Seattle children are prepared to enter school, with helping to close the achievement and opportunity gaps, by providing high-quality early learning opportunities to Seattle's 3- and 4-year-olds through the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) and the SPP Pathway Program. This year, through our partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), we are seeking to add an element to this RFI process that will allow early learning programs, both currently in the program or those seeking to apply for the SPP and SPP Pathway Programs, to operate out of four SPR community center sites. To achieve these aims, DEEL is requesting applications from qualified applicants to deliver high-quality preschool services for the 2017-18 school year.

There are three options for responding to the RFI for the 2017-18 school year:

1. If your organization (applicant) meets all of the SPP eligibility requirements, you can apply to become an SPP provider. You are also eligible to apply to operate out of one of SPR's community center sites by completing the Community Center Initiative application.

2. If your organization does not currently meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply to the SPP Pathway Program (formerly known as the Step Ahead Preschool Program). Providers can be on the SPP Pathway for up to two years. There is a possibility of extending a program's time on the Pathway on a case-by-case basis. During this time, the City will provide ongoing technical assistance, professional development, and coaching to support Pathway providers in meeting the eligibility requirements for SPP. Your organization will be expected to work towards meeting full SPP eligibility requirements and apply to become an SPP provider for the school year 2018-19. You are also eligible to operate out of one of our community center sites by completing the Community Center Initiative application.

3. If you are a current SPP or SPP Pathway Program provider you are eligible to apply to operate preschool classes out of one of the community center sites by completing the Community Center Initiative application.