What is Launch?

The Launch Learning has been the onsite provider of before and after school child care here at Kimball for many years. We’re excited to announce that CDSA is starting 2016 with a new “brand,” including a new name (Launch) and a new logo. Watch for our new name and logo around the school, and visit our new website launchlearning.org for more information about our organization.

In the meantime, please know that nothing in our programs will change. CDSA/Launch children will have the same wonderful and dedicated teachers, the same curriculum, the same quality programs, and the same great experience they’ve always had. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Kimball community and hope that you are as happy with our new look as we are!

Questions? Please contact Launch at Kimball at 206-725-9738 or the Launch Main Office at 206-726-7972.

Our Mission

Lead the charge to brilliant outcomes for the children of our community by ensuring equitable access to the highest quality learning and care.

We are a small, local non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and advocate for quality childcare that enriches and nurtures all children, supporting their success in school and in life.

Launch supports working families from all cultural and economic backgrounds. Families who enroll in our program enter a network of assistance that strengthens the community, while offering positive opportunities for their children.

Our nine locations have deep and close relationships with Seattle Public Schools. This collaboration with the school district allows our staff to communicate and partner with teachers, ensuring what children learn in our before and after school programs complements and supports what they’re learning in the classroom.

Launch administrative staff and teachers are passionate about preparing 21st century learners for school and life beyond school in a fun and nurturing environment. Focusing on social, emotional, and academic learning and growth, we?re leading the charge to brilliant outcomes for the children in our community.

We invite families, donors, volunteers, and our community to learn how you can get involved in helping us prepare children for the future!

We?d like you to meet Jo Hamer, Program Director at Kimball

Jo was born in Spokane, Washington, and has lived all over the United States including Colorado, Virginia, and Texas. Growing up in different states gave Jo the opportunity to meet a wide range of friends and understand different cultures and communities. Ten years ago she took an opportunity to work with a nonprofit child care organization and discovered how rewarding the work was for her. Jo has been a director for various nonprofits for almost 10 years and is bringing an immense amount of experience to her position. She is a Methods Trainer for the Youth Program Quality Initiative and works to improve the programs she and her teams utilize.

Outside work, Jo spends time with her rescue dog Kona Kai and her family including her young niece. She also enjoys a variety of leisure activities including singing, soccer, cooking, photography, dodgeball, skiing, traveling, and road trips!