Educare Early Learning Center held its grand opening Saturday, March 27, and the event was grand, as nearly three hundred attended the program and speeches in the White Center Heights Elementary School gym just across a paved plaza from the 44,000 square-foot facility. They then took a tour of the Learning Center's two stories of infant/toddler rooms, preschool rooms, family resource library and its outdoor play areas. The center is located at 625 Southwest 100th Street.

The preschool accommodates 135 newborn-to-five year olds whose families who receive subsidies, mostly through DCFS. This is the tenth Educare Center. Others are in Chicago, Miami, Denver, Kansas City, and three in Oklahoma.

"This is just a spectacular thing, and just a beginning in our state, of course," William Gates, Sr. told the West Seattle Herald. He attended with his wife, Mimi. "It's just a beautiful model. The work is very advanced and professional. It's a great thing for our state. There are hundreds of people who have contributed." He added that he has an affinity for the children who attend the center.

The Bill Gates Foundation contributed to the facility. Other foundations include the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, and Thrive By Five Washington.

Public funding came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start, HUD, King County Housing authority, and taxpayers of Washington State.

Politicians were acknowledged for their efforts to help make the center a reality, including Gov. Gregoire, Sen. Patty Murray, Reps. Sharon Nelson and Eileen Cody, and State Sen. Joe McDermott. Nelson and McDermott were on hand.

"It's a beautiful day, and very indicative of the type of happiness that has been extolling through this entire building and project," Rafel Hart, Program Director of Educare and Highline Head Start told the West Seattle Herald. "We've been open for five weeks but today is the grand opening. I feel like every day is a grand opening for us because the children and families who come to the center every day are so happy and have such a feeling of joy and hope that we are really proud of the work we are doing here."

Check out: www.wceli.org/educare.html

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