Right from the Start

Right from the Start is a free, early learning resource center for parents with children ages birth to five. We support parents as their child’s first and most important teacher.
We help parents increase their skills and knowledge to support their child’s healthy development and school readiness and success.

Right from the Start parent resource center is located inside Rochester Primary School.
Bella Mendez, our Right from the Start site coordinator, connects parents with information, programs, classes and events to make the most of parenting in the early years.
 


What does Right from the Start offer?

Outreach to families with young children currently in the Rochester area

Parents as Teachers  “play and learn” groups

Ready! for Kindergarten classes for parents

Community Cafés for parent connections and conversations that matter

The newest information and resources from local agencies serving children and families

Family events at Rochester Primary School  for all ages

Early connections to Rochester Primary School,  staff and support services

Information and services in English and Spanish

Right from the Start is a United Way of Thurston County Success By 6 Initiative designed to increase the number of children who start school ready to succeed. We partner with a large number of organizations including:



The Thurston Early Childhood Coalition
Rochester School District
Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF)
Head Start/ECEAP
Parents as Teachers
Timberland Regional Library
South Sound Reading Foundation
Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC)
Parenting Matters Foundation
Hands on Children’s Museum
Community Youth Services

For more information contact Right from the Start Site Coordinator, Bella Mendez at bmendez@unitedway-thurston.org or (360) 388-8875 or Director of Community Impact, Julee Durham at jdurham@unitedway-thurston.org. 

Right from the Start is supported by individual donations and corporate and foundation grants. We are especially grateful to the Boeing Company, Puget Sound Energy, Trans Alta  and Bank of America for their support.