Quality Early Learning Initiative

It’s a well-documented fact that quality early learning programs not only improve a child’s future but also strengthen the workforce, boost economic growth, and reduce future medical and social spending. Given this, JWB created a model and began investing in high quality early learning programs.

Our first step was to identify and adopt the Eight Components of High Quality Early Learning, which include Bachelors’ level teachers, a research-based curriculum, and an emphasis on parent engagement. From these, the Quality Early Learning Initiative (QELI) program model was designed, followed by a competitive bid process. Four QELI programs were funded to serve children of lowest means and highest need, from birth through kindergarten entry:

• Lew Williams Center for Early Learning in St. Petersburg
• McCabe’s Center for Early Learning in St. Petersburg
• St. Mark’s Center for Early Learning in St. Petersburg
• St. Paul’s Center for Early Learning in Clearwater

Today, JWB’s QELI programs are making a difference. More children are mastering the skills they need to start school ready to learn. More parents are engaged early in their child’s learning process. And more capacity is being built in the community to ensure children have a solid foundation for lifelong learning.