Mission:  Support for Early Learning and Families (SELF) mobilizes the community to ensure support for young children and their families.

SELF began in 2001 when six partner organizations came together to work toward a shared vision of all children being nurtured and loved and prepared for success in school and life. Currently, SELF is made up of 23 plus partners and organizations in Clark County, Washington from educators, health and mental health agencies, preschool and child care programs and professionals.  A 2006 community-wide planning effort resulted in the adoption of three Early Learning Strategies – Ready Children, Ready Families and Ready Professionals – to inform SELF efforts in the coming years.

Consulting Role (2002-2007):  Served as SELF facilitator/coordinator and grantwriter to secure a $812,000 Federal Grant; followed by facilitating a strategic planning process that resulted in a Clark County Early Learning System Plan and Model, brokering a partnership with the Foundation for Early Learning that created the Clark County Early Learning Fund and an annual luncheon that raised more than $100,000 each year; and securing a $1 million Gates Foundation grant.  Facilitated monthly meetings of SELF Steering Committee.

“SELF is a shining example of what communities can achieve through collaboration. Bill’s skillful facilitation and systems planning work laid the foundation for SELF’s ongoing success – leveraging more than $2 million in support of early learning outcomes.”

– Jeanne Anderson, former Executive Director,
Foundation for Early Learning, Seattle