Encompass will offer a free 9-week workshop to help teachers develop executive function skills in children under their care. It is the only organization in King County (and one of six in Washington) to be selected by the Washington State Department of Early Learning to participate in a pilot program known as “Executive Function Learning Communities.”

The workshop begins Jan. 21.

“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,” said Kerry Beymer, parenting support and education manager at Encompass.

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. Educators say that 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.

Encompass is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 1966 with a mission to nurture children, enrich families and inspire community. It serves Issaquah, Sammamish, the Snoqualmie Valley and the greater Eastside.

For more information and to register for the workshop, early learning professionals can contact Kerry Beymer at 425-888-2777 or Kerry.beymer@encompassnw.org.