Encompass has a few preschool openings for families who are living on a limited income or for families whose income has recently changed due to divorce, death or job loss.  Children living with grandparents and foster parents are automatically qualified. This program is free and is offered through the State of Washington Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).  ECEAP is similar to Head Start and includes three half days of preschool, free transportation, meals and support services. Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31^st of 2009.   Encompass is the only NAEYC certified program in the Valley and boasts a ratio of 6-7 children per adult in the classroom. For more information, call Paula at Encompass (425-888-2777).

It is that time of year again to start thinking about taxes. If you have not already, you will soon be receiving W-2's and 1099's in the mail to complete your 2008 taxes. Don't forget that as a foster and adoptive family there are important tax credits for you federally, and possibly in your local state too. For 2008, the maximum adoption credit has increased to $11,650. There are two ways to claim this, one is per child, for the adoption of a special needs child formally in the foster care system; the second is a one time credit per adoption or attempt for domestic, private and international adoptions. The National Foster Parent Association has published and released their 2008 Tax Guide, you will find the PDF attached to this BLOG post. Make sure you also read Federal Tax Credits and Benefits resource.