Today, Wellspring’s Early Learning Center (ELC) remains the only program in Washington State specializing in serving children ages one through five who are experiencing the traumatic effects of homelessness.

Over the past decade, the ELC has served 344 children and 253 families, offering far more than just a safe place to learn. It’s a place where children build resilience, experience stability, and develop the critical skills they need to thrive.

On average, children exiting the ELC gain 53 developmental and school readiness skills, laying the foundation for lifelong success. These skills span key developmental domains such as social-emotional growth, early motor skills, relationship building, and school readiness routines—each one a building block for a brighter, more stable future.

But the ELC isn’t just a preschool—it’s a powerful model for what holistic, trauma-informed care can look like.

• With a low 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio, educators tailor learning to each child’s unique needs.
• A no-expulsion policy ensures that every child is welcomed and supported, no matter the challenges they face.
• Families receive wraparound support, including access to a Family Support Specialist, on-site mental health resources, nutritious meals, and our free Family Store for essential items.

The impact of this trauma-informed approach is backed by research. Children in trauma-informed early learning environments show significant gains in emotional regulation, self-soothing, and coping skills—essential foundations for future learning and healthy relationships.¹ They also experience improved language, cognitive, and executive functioning skills that contribute to school readiness.² Young children in these classrooms exhibit fewer aggressive behaviors and demonstrate increased empathy and engagement.³

The benefits extend beyond the classroom. Trauma-informed programs have been shown to strengthen the parent-child relationship and reduce parental stress.⁴ Families receiving wraparound services experience improved housing stability and greater access to health, employment, and social support systems—creating the conditions needed for long-term resilience and success.⁴

Each year, the ELC serves up to 45 children in a nurturing and engaging environment that promotes emotional resilience, early learning, and school readiness—all while building pathways to lasting stability for families facing housing instability.

This work is only possible because of our incredible community of supporters—donors, volunteers, staff, and partners who believe that every child deserves the chance to flourish.

“The Early Learning Center has always been more than a program. It’s a promise—that even in the most uncertain times, children can be safe, seen, and set up for success,” said Bevette Irvis, Chief Program Officer at Wellspring.

As we celebrate 37 years of this transformative work, we carry deep gratitude for every person who has walked alongside us to make brighter futures possible for the children and families we serve.

Here’s to the next chapter of hope, healing, and growing together.

1. Brown, E. D., & Sax, K. L. (2013). Arts enrichment and preschool emotions for low-income children at risk. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28(2), 337–346. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_D._Brown; 

2. Zero to Three Journal. (2020). Trauma-Informed Practices in Early Childhood Education. https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/journal/trauma-informed-practices-in-early-childhood-education; 

3. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37042258; 

4. Administration for Children and Families (2023). Considerations for Trauma-Informed Child Care and Early Education Systems. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/considerations-trauma-informed-child-care-and-early-education-systems