Preschool student explores watercolor
Preschool student explores watercolor painting through land-based curriculum led by Shameka Gagnier. Photo courtesy of Daybreak Star Preschool.

Encouraging innovation in early learning—through the arts!

Creative Start supports and expands arts integration efforts in early learning (preschool through 3rd grade) communities. It aims to bridge the opportunity gap for Washington’s youngest learners. Creative Start programming includes grants, professional learning opportunities, and resource development to support students, teachers, and their families.

Creative Start program goals:

  1. Support creative, academic, and social emotional learning to close the opportunity gap for Washington’s youngest learners.
  2. Foster statewide teacher-leadership in culturally responsive arts integration.
  3. Develop statewide capacity to offer high-quality professional learning in arts education.

Supports projects that expand opportunities for PreK to 3rd grade students to engage in arts integrated learning.

Opening January 18, 2024.

Arts Integration Mini-Lessons & Resources for educators, families, and caregivers.

An annual conference for early learning educators

ArtsWA is an affiliate of Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, a nationally recognized leader in early childhood arts-based learning.

What is Arts Integration?

This short video defines the term ‘arts integration’.

View this video with audio description at: https://youtu.be/iMBO672YtCM

Creative Start Spotlight

Education Service District 123

ESD 123 summary video shows how their 2021-22 ECEAP preschool students have been learning and creating through art all year long with support from a Creative Start Grant from ArtsWA.

This video was produced by ESD 123.

laird Norton Family Foundation logo Special thanks to the Laird Norton Family Foundation for their support of the Creative Start program and dedication to increasing the growth of arts integration in public education.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Creative Start program, please contact: Alexis Sarah, Project Manager: alexis.sarah@arts.wa.gov, 360-228-6359