Dr. Bette Hyde, Director Department of Early Learning with Denise Louie Director Janice Deguchi, teacher and two students.
Dr. Bette Hyde has been on the job as director of the Department of Early Learning (DEL) for a short time – but she has been busy. She has crisscrossed the state, meeting with children, parents, and early educators to increase DEL’s understanding of the real issues facing families today. Last week Dr. Hyde visited Denise Louie Education Center (DLEC) in Beacon Hill. Many of you may know that I’m a proud DLEC board member and volunteer.
Dr. Hyde spent two hours touring the center, meeting the children and teachers, and discussing the opportunities and challenges moving forward in Washington State. In addition to representatives from DLEC, representatives from the Children’s Home Society and Neighborhood House (including a home visitor) also attended. We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with Dr. Hyde and show her what we’re doing to change lives and create opportunity. While there are many challenges to this goal, including the biggest recession since the depression, it is clear that DEL’s new director is deeply engaged and wants to partner with us to create the change children need.
