Co-Creating Better Early Learning Supports with Families
When it comes to supporting young children, families are the experts on their own experiences.
That belief is at the heart of Eastside Pathways’ newest Early Learning Collaborative Action Network initiative, funded through a King County Best Starts for Kids P-5 Innovation Grant.
This project brings together parents, caregivers, and early learning providers to collaboratively design resources that reflect the strengths, experiences, and needs of Black, African American, and African families in East King County.
Why This Work Matters
Families navigate a complex early learning landscape. From finding quality childcare and preschool options to supporting early literacy and language development at home, caregivers often piece together information from multiple sources while also balancing the realities of daily life.
At the same time, educators and providers are working to strengthen relationships with families and create more culturally responsive learning environments.
The best solutions emerge when both groups learn from one another.
This project was designed around a simple but powerful idea: meaningful change happens when families and providers have opportunities to listen, learn, and build together.
A Two-Way Learning Experience
The Early Learning CAN has long served as a collaborative table where organizations align efforts on behalf of children and families. Through this grant, the network is expanding that work by creating intentional opportunities for two-way learning between families and providers.
| The project centers Black and African Diaspora families with children prenatal through age five, along with educators who serve these communities.
Participants will help identify:
- What supports are most helpful for families.
- What challenges families face when navigating early learning systems.
- What practices build trust and strong relationships.
- How providers can better respond to family needs and cultural experiences.
- What resources families wish they had access to earlier.
Event Links:
What Will Be Created?
Insights from participants will directly shape two community-centered products:
Caregiver Guide
A practical resource designed to support families in:
- Early literacy
- Language development
- Family engagement
- Navigating early learning opportunities
Educator Resource
A resource for providers that includes:
- Anti-racist practices
- Accountability tools
- Family-centered approaches
- Strategies for creating stronger partnerships with Black and African families
Both resources will be piloted, evaluated, and refined to ensure they are useful and accessible.
Centering Community Voice
Rather than assuming what families need, this project starts by listening.
The co-development process recognizes that parents, grandparents, relatives, and caregivers possess valuable expertise gained through lived experience. Their perspectives are critical to creating systems, policies, and practices that truly work for families.
By elevating these voices, we hope to strengthen the network of care surrounding young children and build a more equitable and responsive early learning ecosystem.
Gratitude to Our Partners
This work would not be possible without the support and collaboration of our partners.
We extend our sincere thanks to King County Best Starts for Kids for funding this important initiative.
We are also grateful to KidsQuest Children’s Museum for hosting the co-development sessions and creating a welcoming environment where families can gather, learn, and share.
Special appreciation goes to Dr. Debra Sullivan, whose guidance, expertise, and consultation have helped prepare our team and partners to engage in this important work with intentionality, cultural responsiveness, and care.
Together, we are building resources that reflect community wisdom and strengthen outcomes for children and families across East King County.
