Children, Youth, & Family Services
Department Overview
The Children Youth and Family Services department focuses on providing services to youth of all ages and their families. In partnership with schools, businesses, and other organizations, they help create opportunities and success for children and adults throughout communities in our region. A cadre of strong and successful programs are available in the areas of child care, workforce training, teen programs, and AmeriCorps environmental/educational programs.
Jada Rupley
Associate Superintendent
jada.rupley@esd112.org
(360) 750-7514
Wendy Niehaus
Admin Assistant
wendy.niehaus@esd112.org
(360) 750-7514
NATIONAL & COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS
NORTHWEST SERVICE ACADEMY
NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Each year more than 300 AmeriCorps members serve to restore watersheds, enhance public lands, conserve resources, provide environmental education and increase the capacity of schools and agencies to meet community needs.
LINKS
Erika Johnson
erika.johnson@esd112.org
360-750-7500 x114
LINKS is an AmeriCorps program that seeks to connect local communities and individuals with one another to address critical community needs through results-driven service. Each year, more than 200 LINKS AmeriCorps members serve on projects with partner agencies in the greater Pacific Northwest. LINKS members typically serve part-time with the partnering organization (25-75 hours/month), though some projects are offered in which the member can serve on a more full-time basis.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
RE-ENTRY
Kevin Johnson
kevin.johnson@esd112.org
(360) 750-7500 x105
Working with students who have been suspended, expelled, or not attending school, the Re-Entry Program provides an opportunity to gain social and academic skills necessary for a successful school experience.
Students are referred through their school district and attend class in a "homeroom" setting, focusing on behavior modification, academics, social skills, drug and alcohol awareness, and anger management.
Students receive group and individual instruction, volunteer for community service projects, and complete outside class projects.
YOUTH WORKFORCE PROGRAM
Gail Spolar
gail.spolar@esd112.org
(360) 750-7500 x146
Year-round "education to occupation" experience for economically disadvantaged youth, 16-21 years. Benefits include job shadowing, internships, and other work experience; skill development; career planning; motivational support; and coordination with academic and educational opportunities.
TRUANCY PROJECT
Gail Spolar
gail.spolar@esd112.org
(360) 750-7500 x146
The Truancy Project is an intervention program designed to address the underlying causes of truancy. Youth receive individual support and services to increase their attendance and performance in school.
GRADUATION ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM (GAP)
Kevin Johnson
kevin.johnson@esd112.org
(360) 750-7500 x105
Working in conjunction with local school districts in Southwest Washington, the GAP program provides students the opportunity to enhance their skills in a variety of academic areas to successfully pass the GED test. ESD 112 provides a comprehensive preparation course that meets the needs of non-traditional learners ages 16-20.
EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS
CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL
Child Care Resource and Referral is committed to providing families and child care providers with the knowledge, training, and resources needed to give every child a safe, stimulating, and nurturing child care experience. We offer services for families as well as child care providers.
PARENT SERVICES
- Free, individualized referrals to licensed child care in Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat Counties
- Information on tips in choosing quality child care
- Child development information
- Links to valuable community resources
- Enhanced services for parents working for participating employers
PROVIDER SERVICES
- Free business advertising through our parent referral service
- STARS approved training to encourage quality child care, and professional development that meets state requirements
- Child care resource team
- Technical assistance and consultation available for new and existing providers
- Resource and lending library
- Free provider newsletter
- Links to community resources
PARENTS AS TEACHERS
Provides support to parents in their role as their children's first and most important teacher. Services include personal visits, play groups, group meetings, developmental screenings, and linkage to other community resources beyond the Parents as Teachers program.
SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON CHILD CARE CONSORTIUM
Kristi Baker
Executive Director
kristi.baker@esd112.org
(360) 750-7501 x233
Kristin Johnson
Center Coordinator
(360) 750-7501 x103
Network of 26 child care centers on school sites in Clark and Cowlitz counties; Full-day and before/after-school child care for more than 1,800 children ages 4 weeks-12 years; Child care for families funded by parent fees, DSHS, and in the Work First Program; Child care for mildly ill children; Parent activities and training; Comprehensive early childhood education in a quality learning environment.
ECEAP/EARLY and FULL-DAY HEADSTART
Mary Parson
ECEAP Director
(360) 256-6776
Serves Clark County school districts.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Primarily designed to meet needs of children from low-income families and 4-year-olds who are considered at-risk. Teaches cognitive, social, and emotional skills to succeed in school. Also, tuition-based preschool programs offered in Hockinson and White Salmon provide early childhood education and kindergarten readiness for 3-4 year olds.
An ECEAP program is also provided in Pacific County serving 32 students. For information on South Pacific County ECEAP, contact Kris Grindy at kris.grindy@esd112.org or (360) 750-7500 x360