In early 2012, United Way kicked off the Great Beginnings grants in early learning programs.

For the 2014 Great Beginnings grants, United Way is announces that $100,000 is available for early learning grants.

Successful grants must include specific plans to work on some or all of the following priorities:

• Deliver an evidence-based or promising practice parenting course for parents/caregivers of children birth to 5 years old;

• Increase the number of education and support programs in all geographic areas of the county;

• Provide information on a child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development;

• Support parent and caregiver access to relevant early learning materials.

Measure and report on outcomes.

To be eligible, agencies must attend one of two mandatory Bidders Conferences from 2:30-4:30 Thursday, Sept. 5, or from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6.

Both sessions will be in Linkletter Hall, Olympic Medical Center, lower level, Port Angeles. The bidders conference will include a mandatory one-hour outcomes training. Completed Great Beginnings grant applications will be due no later than close of business Monday, Sept. 30.

For more information or to receive a copy of the Great Beginnings grant application, contact United Way at 457-3011 or e-mail info@unitedwayclallam.org.