Dear neighbors,

As chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, I want to wish our teachers, paraeducators, staff, administrators, students, and their families a wonderful school year. To help ensure a successful start for our district’s students, I wanted to share some helpful resources my office has compiled for families. Keep reading for a variety of resources, including information on evaluating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accessing food and school meals, getting support for students experiencing homelessness, and more.

New resource on my website

A graphic with the words "Click Me," which redirects you to Sen. Wellman's IEP evaluation resource.

Earlier this spring, my office released a new resource: Navigating Your Child’s Evaluation: A Resource Guide for Parents & Guardians. This two-page handout is intended to help guide families through the IEP process for students being evaluated for special education services and those who are already enrolled in them.

Receiving an IEP evaluation often feels like being handed a technical manual for your child. These reports are essential for students enrolled in special education because they document the instruction and services they will need to receive a free, appropriate public education. However, these reports can be complex, hard to understand, and very overwhelming to navigate alone. That’s why my office created this brief roadmap to help guide parents and families, from understanding IEP terminology to finding one-on-one expert and peer support.

You can find this handout and other helpful materials under the Resources tab on my website.

Food and school meals

A photograph of students eating school lunch.

Our state and county have great resources available for families experiencing food insecurity. King County maintains a dashboard of local food banks and meal programs. It includes a map and interactive list to help you find your nearest food banks and meal programs.

Families who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals can find information on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) website about how to apply for these benefits. For your convenience, the website also has direct links to each school district’s application.

Support for students experiencing homelessness

A photograph of students raising their hand in the classroom.

Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, school districts are required to ensure students experiencing homelessness continue to have equal access to a public education. I’m proud we codified these rights and protections into state law earlier this year because they will shield Washington students from any policy changes the federal government might make. This not only guarantees predictability for vulnerable students but ongoing support from our school districts.

Eligible students may qualify for school supplies, clothing, transportation, tutoring and other assistance. Families can find information and resources on OSPI’s website, as well as their respective school district websites.

Protect your family this respiratory virus season

A photograph of a person with a band-aid, and they are giving a thumbs up.

Fall is on the horizon — and so is respiratory virus season! Our state Department of Health encourages all Washingtonians to protect themselves by getting updated vaccines for seasonal flu, COVID-19, and RSV if recommended. These vaccines are generally covered by insurance, including the Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) program, or are available at little to no cost for children and uninsured adults thanks to the Childhood Vaccine and Adult Vaccine programs.

Not sure where to get no-cost vaccinations for children and uninsured adults? King County has a detailed map to help you find your nearest provider. And if you need to review your family’s vaccination records, visit MyIR Mobile.

As federal guidance on vaccinations continues to stray from scientific recommendations, the Legislature took action this spring to ensure Washington’s vaccine recommendations are based on rigorous research and expert consensus. The law we passed does not include any new mandates, but it protects to access to preventative health services, including vaccines, for any Washingtonian who wants them. This is essential for keeping students and families healthy during the school year.

Help finding additional resources

A graphic explaining what information you can get when you dial 211, including caregiver and disability resources, housing and shelter information, rent and utility assistance, health and dental care, food and clothing, and legal help.

Need help but don’t know who to contact? Washington 211 is a one-stop connection to local services, such as food, clothing, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other support. Dial 2-1-1, text 211WAOD to 898211, or visit https://wa211.org to get connected to services.

My office may also be able to help families navigate state agencies and programs, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Keep in touch

As always, my email inbox is always open, and my phone is always on. You can contact me via email at Lisa.Wellman@leg.wa.gov or phone at 360-786-7641.

Yours in service,

Signature of Sen. Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer island).