- About
- Classroom & Curriculum
- Special Services
- Family Support
- Child Safety
- Eligibilty
- Tuition & Enrollment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact
GELC offers a special focus on working with children and families who may have barriers to receiving high quality preschool education, or would benefit from special attention.
GELC is a licensed tuition-based program which offers scholarships and is open to the community for enrollment. We also accept DSHS Subsidies. Learn More.
What Makes Us Different?
Griffin Early Learning Center can meet the needs of both the child and the family together. Families from all different backgrounds can struggle with behavior, separation and sometimes crisis. We have 20 years experience educating children who are struggling and working with parents/guardians to create stability.
We also specialize in creating a multi-cultural and inclusive learning environment for children. This includes multi-racial adoption, blended families, and GLBT community.
About Griffin Early Learning Center
Griffin Early Learning Center was developed by the leadership at First Place, a non-profit service agency in Seattle which specializes in educating children facing crisis and trauma. For 20 years First Place has been successfully educating and transitioning elementary school-age children into public school. They are now extending their expertise to children ages 3 to 5.
Classroom Support and Resources
- 10:1 ratio of students to adults.
- Teachers will have a minimum bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and will be assisted by an Instructional Aide and trained classroom volunteers.
- All staff are highly trained in: cultural competency, positive discipline, behavioral issues, separation anxiety, and trauma.
Curriculum
- Community-based multi-cultural curriculum
- Private outside play area will help develop motor skills
- Academic and social/emotional assessments three times a year
- Parent/Teacher conferences 3 times each year
- Computer/Digital learning
Special Services: Removing Barriers to Receiving Education
Tuition includes these special services:
- Transportation may be provided to families living in certain geographical areas. Please call for more information.
- Breakfast, lunch and a snack will be provided on-site at no extra cost.
- School Psychologist on-site.
- Nurse Practitioner on-site 3 days a week.
- Special Needs: Staff on-site are highly trained in working with students on issues surrounding separation, adjustment, behavior, transition, and trauma.
- Basic Needs such as hygiene and clothing are offered to families in need.
Family Support
A Case Manager is assigned to each family at enrollment. The case manager assists parents through the enrollment process and provides supportive services including job training, life skills, housing and healthcare. All services are offered on an as needed basis.
To learn what additional services offered to the families with children enrolled in GELC, please read about our Family Support Services program.
Child Safety
Your child’s safety is a top priority. All employees at First Place’s Griffin Early Learning Center will go through a WA State Background Check and fingerprinting and will be trained in CPR, First Aid, and STARS Assessment. Volunteers working with students are monitored at all times and have a WA State Background Check. Griffin Early Learning Center is a secure facility.
Eligibility
For the 2009-2010 Academic year, children must be potty trained and be three years old by August 31, 2009 to attend. In some cases we will administer academic assessments to ensure we meet the needs of your child.
For the 2010-2011 Academic year, children must by potty trained and three years old by August 31, 2010.
Admissions, Tuition & Fees
Tuition is based on full-day market rate scale.
Registration Fee: $50
Program Fees will apply
NOW ENROLLING!
Scholarships are available for tuition and all fees. We accept DSHS Subsidies and will help you fill out the eligibility forms.
Tours are available. View current tour dates.
For more information, please contact Genna Phillips or Nichelle Alston, at (206) 612-4552.