Seattle Preschool Program Process Evaluation

The deadline to apply for this funding opportunity closes on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:59pm.

The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is seeking an experienced consulting team to conduct a formative evaluation examining supports for preschool children transitioning from Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) to elementary schools receiving DEEL educational investments. This contract will span August 2025 – June 2026. 

The purpose of this solicitation is to: 

• Evaluate existing strategies in DEEL-funded preschool and elementary school settings related to Seattle Preschool Program children’s transition to K-12 schooling  
• Identify needs or gaps in SPP kindergarten transition supports  
• Provide actionable recommendations for DEEL and its funded partners to support alignment between children’s preschool and K-12 experiences and promote equitable elementary school learning outcomes   

Please note: Changes to the funding process and timeline may occur. DEEL will not provide individual notice of changes, and applicants are responsible for regularly checking this webpage for technical assistance information, updates, clarifications, or amendments. 

Selection Criteria and Cost

Researchers and evaluation consultants with expertise in early childhood education, mixed method research, and culturally responsive evaluation practices are eligible to submit proposals. A consultant will be selected through a competitive review process for a maximum award of $200,000. 
View more details about minimum qualifications (page 8) and evaluation criteria (page 11) of the RFP.

Timeline

Eligible applicants will submit a proposal online no later than Friday, May 9, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PST. DEEL will notify successful applicants by Friday, June 20, 2025. 

*Dates subject to change. 

How to apply 

Applications may ONLY be submitted to DEEL by using  Submittable, an online application portal.  

All applicants must complete the online application via Submittable using the Online Application Link.   

• New users will be required to create a free Submittable account. 
• The application portal allows users to save progress on their draft applications prior to submitting. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted after the deadline. The portal automatically closes on May 9, 2025, at 11:59pm PST. 
• Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email from Submittable after the application is submitted.
• Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. 

Submit materials directly through the Submittable platform by Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST. See detailed instructions on the RFP Overview, pg. 9-10.

Application Essentials

Supporting Materials

Use the following to access additional information you will need to reply to this solicitation.  

Solicitation References 

Program and Evaluation References for Proposal Development (see complete reference section on page 20-21 of the RFP Overview): 

How to submit questions

To submit questions about the solicitation process and scope, please email DEELFunding@seattle.gov with "Question: SPP Process Evaluation RFP" in the subject line. Responses will be published and linked in the table above. Please allow three (3) business days for answers to submitted questions. 
 
For Technical Questions related to using Submittable:

• Check the Submitter Resource Center   
• Send questions directly to Submittable’s Customer Support or by email to DEELFunding@seattle.gov with “Submittable Question: SPP Process Evaluation RFP” in the subject line. 

Language Assistance

Do you need an interpreter? Do you need documents translated? Language assistance is available. Contact DEELfunding@seattle.gov or (206) 386-1050.