We build the collective power of leaders of color to transform early childhood systems so that every child and their community thrives.
FAQs
We are committed to a transparent design process as we create this new fellowship. We will aim to update this page with responses to your questions. Do you have a question that isn't reflected here? Please contact us at info@waecpfellowship.org.
Potential Fellow FAQs
What is the WA Early Childhood Policy Fellowship?
The WA Early Childhood Fellowship is an employment-based Fellowship focused on increasing the representation and power of people of color, particularly people from Black, Indigenous, Latinx and Pacific Islander communities in early childhood policy spaces.
How do you define “Early Childhood”?
We have a broad definition of early childhood that encompasses family well-being, social/emotional health, cognitive development, physical health, mental health, attachment, child care, education and enrichment for all children prenatal to age 5.
What does “mid-career” mean?
We define “mid-career” as individuals for whom at least two of the following statements are true:
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Five or more years of professional experience in early childhood work, policy work, healthcare, social services, community organizing, or a related field.
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At least one year of direct experience actively engaged with a coalition or advocacy organization
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At least one year of experience managing a program, project, or team (including your own center or business.)
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Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree (from the U.S. or another country) in education, early childhood, public policy, social work, public health, or a related degree.
Is there an education requirement to be a fellow?
No. While a degree or other type of formal education may be a valuable asset for fellows, we also recognize that expertise is gained in many other ways.
What kind of roles do you envision as “policy” roles within early childhood?
We are specifically focused on public policy and define that as working on adopted laws, rules, and budgets adopted by government entities. Policy specific roles could include policy and fiscal analysis, policy development, coalition work focused on policy and advocacy, leading strategy for community organizing and mobilization, media and communications focused on policy and advocacy, policy research, staff support to policymakers and policymaking support of organizations working in policy. The Fellowship is specifically interested in the coordination of these roles across the public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors.
What is the time commitment for Fellows?
This is a full-time, twenty-month, employment-based Fellowship, where Fellows will be:
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Placed in an organization four days per week (32 hrs/week) at a placement site.
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Engaged one day (8 hrs/week) in professional development, including: access to mentorship, executive coaching, participation in speaker series, training, wellness activities, and pure social connection with others in the cohort.
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Employed by WA ECP Fellowship or a placement organization while being supported by Fellowship staff and a cohort of Fellows.
When will the fellowship start?
The Fellowship is set to launch in October 2022 and run through the spring of 2024.
What compensation and benefits will fellows receive?
Fellows will receive a salary of $62,000/annually and access to employee-sponsored benefits such as medical insurance, paid holidays and paid time off. Additional supports will include professional mentorship, executive coaching and frequent opportunities for professional development and relational networking inside and outside of the cohort of Fellows.
Where will Fellows be placed?
We are establishing partnerships with a variety of potential placement sites across Washington state that have demonstrated commitments, cultures, and practices to undo institutional racism and drive continued antiracist values in both internal and external work. These include both “established” policy organizations and smaller community-based service organizations who have an interest in expanding their state-based policy/advocacy work.
What are the minimum standards of eligibility for a Fellow?
At a minimum we expect that Fellows will:
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Demonstrate commitment to advancing antiracism in the early childhood policy field
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Reflect the communities most impacted by systemic oppression who lack sufficient representation in policy decision-making in Washington state
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Be prepared to work full-time (37.5+ hours per week) as a Fellow from October 2022 to June 2024
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Be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and live in Washington state by the start of the program
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Have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19
How do I apply to become a Fellow?
We are still finalizing the application and matching process. We anticipate launching the application in early June of 2022. The application process will include a written application, interviews with the Fellowship selection committee, and with placement sites. The application review and interview process will take place over the course of the Summer of 2022. We will update this page with more details as they are finalized.
WA ECP Fellowship Operational FAQs
Where is the fellowship going to be housed?
WA ECP Fellowship is pursuing independent 501(c)3 nonprofit status. Currently we have a fiscal sponsorship through Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC).
What will be the governance structure of the fellowship?
We have a Founding Board which formed in the summer of 2021 and will transition to a governing Board of Directors once we receive 501(c)3 designation. The Founding Board will be responsible for the hire of the Fellowship’s staff leadership.
How is the fellowship going to be funded?
The initial seed funding for the design of the WA Early Childhood Policy Fellowship has been generously provided by the Perigee Fund. We are working on diversifying our funding model. We welcome inquiries from potential funders!