Who We Are
Where quality goes, minds grow
Every child deserves to flourish from a foundation of quality learning. At Cultivate Learning we advance the fields of early childhood education and expanded learning opportunities through expertise and resources that bridge theory and practice.
Where quality goes, minds grow
Every child deserves to flourish from a foundation of quality learning. At Cultivate Learning we advance the fields of early childhood education and expanded learning opportunities through expertise and resources that bridge theory and practice.
A Brief History
Founded at the University of Washington College of Education by Gail Joseph, Bezos Family Foundation Distinguished Professor in Early Learning, Cultivate Learning started as a single program of three staff in a small office, with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Over the years, we have partnered with the Office of Head Start, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families, Child Care Aware of Washington, and many others who believe deeply in our commitment to ensuring all children have access to quality early learning and expanded learning opportunities. We leverage our expertise in community-based research and practice to develop innovative state and national technical training, tools and implementation strategies for quality recognition systems, and higher education initiatives that create pathways to the profession.
Our Initiatives
Cultivate Learning is committed to supporting the early childhood education (ECE) and expanded learning opportunity (ELO) workforce. Community-engaged research and evaluation informs all of the work that we do. Data and multiple forms of evaluation guide all of the resources and products we create on behalf of the ECE and ELO workforce. As quality recognition specialists, we assess and support the improvement of learning environments and work with evaluation partners on projects aimed at informing state and national policies and systems.
Our professional learning initiatives impact learning environments quickly and effectively through a wealth of research-backed expertise, tools, resources, and institutes. Our digital solution platforms keep educators connected to peers and coaches in meaningful ways to support direct application of concepts in the learning environment. We work with coaches who directly support educators through training, consultation and higher education opportunities using a tested and evidence based coaching model.
The EarlyEdU Alliance® brings together higher education faculty and policymakers to create pathways for early learning educators to complete higher education goals from initial certification to advanced degrees. With partners, we commit to reducing barriers for the ECE professional workforce by developing and sharing professional development experiences that are meaningful for working professionals.
Friends and Partners
The work of Cultivate Learning is fueled by the dedicated support of our funding and partner agencies in Washington State and across the nation. Thank you for standing with us to improve access to quality learning environments for all children.
Funding Partners
- Ballmer Group
- Bezos Family Foundation
- District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- The Office of Head Start
- Oregon Department of Education - Early Learning Division
- Raikes Foundation
- Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning
- Stranahan Foundation
- Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Partners
- Alliance for Early Success
- Child Care Aware
- Early Childhood Policy in Institutions of Higher Education (ECPIHE)
- Fond du Lac Tribal Community College
- The Imagine Institute
- National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning
- National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
- Start Early
- Rutgers/NIEER (National Institute for Early Education Research)
- School's Out Washington
- WestEd
- Zero To Three
