Early Learning Fellows, Apply Now

We’re recruiting! Foundation for Early Learning is looking for 10 people to serve for one year as an Early Learning Fellow. Below is a short F.A.Q. which may help to answer some questions. More information can be found here.

Q: What is a Fellow?
A: An Early Learning Fellow can be almost anyone who is interested in supporting early Learning. Fellows can be parents and primary caregivers, teachers, child care providers, grandparents, librarians, and anyone interested in early learning.

Q: What is early learning?
A: Foundation for Early Learning defines early learning as prenatal to age five. In certain circumstances we will extend the age to six (or slightly older) if the majority of a project is directly impacting prenatal to age five. Projects do not need to cover the whole age spectrum; they can focus on one part of the early learning age range.

Q: What topics will be covered during the leadership training portion?
A: The leadership portion will give you with a strong background on the importance of early learning and why the early years are critical to being ready for school and life. Guest speakers will also talk about Washington’s Ten Year Early Learning Plan. Leadership topics will also cover project management, community engagement, and other topics that the cohort decides to focus on.

Q: I live outside of Washington, can I still apply?

A: Because our mission and work takes place in Washington state we are only accepting in-state applications. If you currently live outside of Washington, but are planning on relocating before the start of the program year please indicate this in your cover letter.

Q: I live in a small town in Washington, can I still participate?
A: YES! We want people from all over Washington to participate. You will need access to email, a computer, and phone to take part in certain parts of the program. Many public libraries offer free computer and internet access. We can also help with travel cost for the two in-person meetings.

Q: I see you are providing a stipend, is the stipend for personal use?
A: No, the stipend is for Fellows to carry out a project that directly serves children and families. It can be used to pay for expenses related to the project, such as staff time, supplies, child care, interpreters, food, etc.

Q: What sort of early learning projects are allowed?
A: Projects must directly serve children and families in Washington state. The project needs to be completed by the end of the program year--think about scale and manageability. Ideas for projects: a literacy night, health and developmental screening event (with a fun component to attract families), children’s concert with an educational goal—the possibilities are endless.

Q: I have a project in mind, but someone else will implement the project-- is this allowed?

A: No, the person who will carry out the project should apply. Remember this is a fellowship opportunity, not a grant request. We are more interested in the person behind the project than the proposed project.

Q: Is there a tuition fee to be a part of the Fellowship?

A: No, there is no financial cost to be a part of the fellowship. However you will need to dedicate time to take part in the leadership program.

Q: Do you have dates set for the meetings mentioned on the application?

A: No, we are waiting to see who is in the cohort and what are the best dates and times. Most of the conference calls will take place during the work day, however if there is a significant portion of Fellows who need to meet during the evening or weekend we will adjust the schedule accordingly. 

Q: I just learned about the Fellowship, can I get an extension on turning in an application?

A: No, applications are due at 5.00 PM on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. We know that people are busy, but we must stick to the scheduled application deadline.

Q: How did the Fellowship come about?
A: Several years ago SVP Seattle created a network map of the early learning sector. The network map was telling; it showed that the early learning sector is fairly isolated, limited in diversity of experiences and people, and the sector is aging. We also saw this as an opportunity to support our partners at Washington Department of Early Learning and helping to create tangible projects related to the Early Learning Plan. Through a partnership with Department of Early Learning and Washington Head Start and ECEAP Association we created the Early Learning Fellows program.

Q: I have more questions about the Fellowship, who do I contact?
A: Foundation for Early Learning is hosting two conference calls to provide more background and answer questions:
• Tuesday, August 23, 2011, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. PDT or
• Thursday, August 25, 2011, 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. PDT

UPDATE: As requested an additional conference call has been added for Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
The conference call phone number: 1.866.516.3949, passcode: 7584617#. An RSVP to erin@earlylearning.org is appreciated but not necessary.

Or you can contact Erin Okuno, erin@earlylearning.org, 206.525.4801, x 23, or Sarah Borgida, sarah@earlylearning.org, 206.525.4801, x 28.