Readiness to Learn Foundation

This is the first in a series about the HELP Network of South Whidbey Island. We have an amazing community support system here on Whidbey and there are a number of resources available to those in need.

One of the members of the HELP Network is the Readiness to Learn Foundation.

The Readiness to Learn Foundation provides coordinated services for children and families in Island County and the Stanwood Area. Their mission is to promote student success by facilitating the combined efforts of schools, families, and communities to address the needs of the whole child.

Programs include family support advocacy for children who are struggling with academic or behavior problems and comprehensive services for homeless children and families.   Low-income students are provided direct support through a Back to School project each fall and through a Holiday House gift drive each winter.  Parent Education classes are offered in a variety of topics and monthly support groups are held for single moms, relatives as caregivers, and for parents who have children with special needs.

Readiness To Learn Family and Student Advocates are available in all 4 districts of Island County, Coupeville, Oak Harbor, South Whidbey, and Stanwood-Camano.

Coupeville Elementary – 6 South Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239

(360) 678-4551 x 236 email: vrogers@coupeville.k12.wa.us

Crescent Harbor Elementary – 330 E. Crescent Harbor Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277

(360) 279-5072

Eldger Bay Elementary School – 1810 Elger Bay Rd, Camano Island, WA 98282

(360) 629-1377

The South Whidbey Family Resource Center is located on the SW Primary School Campus, on 5476 S. Maxwelton Rd., Langley, WA 98260

(360) 221-6808 x 4620

Parent Classes are funded through a generous grant made by the Northwest Children’s Fund.  The Northwest Children’s Fund just celebrated their 25th Anniversary Year; you can view a video about the Fund by clicking on the above photo.

Current Parenting Workshop:

Parenting with a Plan

March 9th – March 23rd

Three Parenting Workshops geared for parents who have children ages 2-8 which include: Power Struggles At Home, Problem Solving 101, and Helping Children Resolve Social Conflicts.

Workshops are scheduled to begin Tuesdays, March 9, 16, and 23.

A complimentary, light dinner will be offered at 5:30 in the Family Resource Center and childcare is provided upon request. Class time will be 6:00-8:00 pm. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.

This class is facilitated by Polly Zahn Schmitt, a former director of the South Whidbey Children’s Center and brings with her early childhood development expertise.

Support Groups

The South Whidbey Family Resource Center currently offers three support groups:

The Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP), The Single Mom’s Group, and The Parents of Children with Special Needs Group.

Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP):

This informal group focuses on the unique situation of raising children of relatives. The group meets once a month in a relaxed atmosphere to share resources and support, laughter and tears, and to make connections outside the group to continue that support. The group is provided with information about resources available through the Department of Social and Human Services and other community opportunities. Light snacks and childcare are provided. For more information or to sign up please call Marilynn Norby at 221-6808 x 4602.

Single Mom’s Support Group:

This supportive group is for single moms and moms who feel single!

The group meets monthly in the comfortable environment of the Family Resource Center to share parenting joys and challenges. It’s a time where moms can bring their questions and ideas and feel the support of those who are encountering the same day to day issues. Dinner and childcare is provided free of charge. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.

Parents of Children with Special Needs:

This group welcomes any parent or caregiver who is raising a child with special needs. Share life’s ups and downs in this supportive environment and make connections outside the group to continue that support. The group meets once a month in the Family Resource Center. Childcare is provided. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.