Description

The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants and/or researchers to conduct a process evaluation examining the implementation and effectiveness of the Seattle Preschool Program’s (SPP) specialized and non-traditional classrooms: Dual Language Initiative, Special Education Inclusion (SPP Plus), and Family Childcare classrooms. 

This solicitation is for a 1-year contract period from January – December 2024. DEEL will accept proposals for a total cost of work up to $250,000.

The Seattle Preschool Program (SPP), first launched in the 2015- 2016 school year, provides high-quality,
evidence-based preschool programming in partnership with a network of preschool providers throughout the
city, including community-based providers, Seattle Public Schools, and Family Child Care (FCC) programs. SPP is
funded by City of Seattle taxpayers through the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy, which
aims to advance educational equity and eliminate educational disparities for children and youth furthest from
educational justice1 across the preschool to post-secondary continuum.

SPP provides a comprehensive approach to supporting Seattle children that includes preschool services and
tuition; quality practice and professional development supports for early learning educators (coaching and
training), comprehensive classroom supports including behavioral and developmental supports; organizational
and facilities development; and childcare subsidies for families who need additional hours of care outside of
SPP’s six-hour instructional days. 

The purpose of this process evaluation is to: 

1. Observe implementation patterns across Dual Language, SPP Plus, and Family Childcare classrooms.
2. Explore the connection between specialized classroom settings and child outcomes (developmental
   progress and kindergarten readiness).
3. Obtain recommendations for program improvement or adjustment to support child outcomes. 

Proposal deadline: To be considered, consultants are invited to submit a proposal by Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PST. DEEL expects to notify successful applicants by October 26, 2023.

Online Information Sessions will take place on August 23 at 10:00 a.m. PST and August 24 at 3:00 p.m. PST. 

Visit the SPP Process Evaluation Solicitation Site to access the full RFP and details about information sessions and Q&A. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

1. Principal investigator has experience with a project of similar scope and budget.
2. Principal investigator has conducted evaluation(s) related to early childhood education within the last
   five years.
3. Consultant team has demonstrated experience conducting process evaluations to facilitate program
   improvements. 
4. The selected consultant will need to show proof of the following business requirements:
   • WA State Business License
   • City of Seattle Business License
   • Insurance Documentation with general liability of at least $1,000,000
     An Acord Certificate of Insurance
     Additional Insured Endorsement or Blanket Policy Wording showing the City of Seattle
     as an additional insured

Desired Qualifications

1. Consultant team has demonstrated experience applying mixed methods (integrated qualitative and
   quantitative methods) to evaluate program fidelity and outcomes.
2. Principal Investigator and/or key members of evaluation team have evaluation/research experience
   related to early childhood dual- and multi-language instruction.
3. Principal Investigator and/or key members of evaluation team have subject matter expertise and/or
   evaluation/research experience related to special education.
4. Consultant team demonstrates knowledge of multiple early childhood education delivery settings,
   including family home childcare.
5. Consultant team has demonstrated experience with data collection (interviews, focus groups, surveys,
   etc.) with populations that speak a primary language other than English.
6. Consultant team has knowledge and experience with culturally responsive evaluation practices,
   including demonstrated ability to conduct data collection approaches that deliver the perspectives of
   communities that have been historically marginalized in government policy, including: communities of
   color, linguistically-diverse communities, immigrant communities, and other communities that have
   experienced barriers to participation in public programs.