Valley-based Encompass has been selected by the state Department of Early Learning to participate in a pilot program known as “Executive Function Learning Communities.”

As the only organization in King County (and one of only six in Washington) in the program, Encompass will offer a free nine-week workshop to help teachers develop executive function skills in children under their care. This is a free opportunity to earn 20 STARS credits.

“I’m recruiting all local early learning professionals to participate in this year’s Early Learning Communities,” said Kerry Beymer, parenting support and education manager at Encompass. “Preparing the adults who care for and work with young children is critical to helping children develop the skills they need to make good decisions, participate in school, and adapt flexibly to new situations.”

Executive functioning is a group of skills that help people to focus on multiple streams of information at the same time and revise plans as necessary.

Developing these skills before the age of 5 can impact a child’s ability to hold a job, develop healthy relationships and deal with stress—factors that contribute to the health of a community.

Children don’t naturally develop executive function skill—they must be nurtured by parents, teachers and caregivers.

Training begins Wednesday, Jan. 21, and will not be offered again in the Valley for at least two years.

For more information and to register for the workshop, early learning professionals can contact Kerry Beymer by calling (425) 888-2777 or sending e-mail to Kerry.beymer@encompassnw.org.