2021: Kindering achieved a major milestone by reaching 10,000 children and families in a single year through pediatric therapies, special education, parent supports, trainings, and more. Kindering also led the way in safely returning to in-person evaluations and services. As in-person classes resumed, Kindering Virtual Play Pass was retired. Our staff started providing both in-person and virtual services, depending on each family’s needs.

2020: Kindering, along with the rest of the world, faced many challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic changed the fabric of our community. In the first six months of the pandemic, Kindering staff completed an astounding 21,000 tele-therapy sessions. Developmental evaluations were made possible virtually as well. Innovation and creativity led the way as staff built new digital programming including the Kindering Virtual Play Pass (KVPP), a new online education program with English, Spanish, and bilingual class sessions. Through KVPP, children and families received early learning supports from Kindering’s professional team of therapists and educators.

2019: Kindering opened its fourth campus in Redmond at the Together Center. This campus expansion allowed Kindering to serve one of our most dense population centers with a neighborhood-based location, helping remove barriers to in-person service, such as transportation challenges. Additionally, Kindering continued to invest in our Equity and Inclusion journey, hiring an Equity and Inclusion Officer to lead and guide efforts in 2019 and beyond.

2018: We expanded our Families in Transition (FIT) program, thanks to a substantial investment. This expansion allowed Kindering to deepen our offerings for the community and increase services for families experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Mimi Siegel retired after 40 years of serving as our CEO and Dr. Lisa Greenwald was appointed as the new CEO.

2017: We opened our third campus in Renton, expanding access and deepening critical services for South King County families, with the goal of serving 200 additional infants and young children each year with inclusive preschool, special education, physical/occupational therapy, and more.

2014: Kindering opened its second campus in Bothell in order to replicate and expand its award-winning programs in Snohomish County, with the goal of providing crucial services to 800 additional infants and children. Kindering started KidsClinic, an expansion of services for children over the age of 3.

2014: Kindering updated its mission statement to reflect its expanded programs, diverse families, and changing community: We embrace children of diverse abilities and their families by providing the finest education and therapies to nurture hope, courage, and the skills to soar.

2013: We launched a year of bold expansion-broadening programming for homeless children, replicating CHERISH throughout King County and establishing a satellite in north King County to allow hundreds of additional families to receive Kindering services annually.

2012: Kindering celebrated its 50th anniversary. In 2012, more than 3,500 families received services.

2011: Kindering began the Parent Child Home Program (PCHP) to reach out to Spanish-speaking families to develop early literacy and school readiness.

2006: We welcomed Don Meyer and the Sibling Support Project to our family of programs.

2004: Kindering’s CHERISH (CHildren Encouraged by Relationships in Secure Homes) program was established to support children living in foster and kinship care.

2002: The “Opening New Doors from Crisis to Courage” Capital Campaign raised more than $6 million leading to new state-of-the art 22,500 sq. ft. facility.

2001: Lake Washington School District contracted with Kindering Center to provide special education for children in that region. Issaquah, Northshore, and Mercer Island followed in subsequent years.

1998: There was an explosion of demand for services in the community. Kindering’s Board of Directors conducted a community needs assessment, and unanimously voted to embark on an ambitious Capital Campaign to expand the existing building and eradicate the wait list.

1996: Bellevue School District contracted with Kindering Center to provide special education for local children.

1994: Formation of the Eastside Nutrition and Feeding Team.

1993: Merrywood School formally changed its name to “Kindering Center”.

1990: We added parent education and counseling programs.

1986: Merrywood began a support group for father of children with disabilities, which eventually became the nationally prominent Fathers Network.

1984: Over the next 6 years, four separate building expansions increased the size of the building to 9,000 sq. ft. to meet the growing demand for services.

1983: Moved to Merrywood School’s own facility, a 2,500 sq. ft. building.

1981: Merrywood School became an approved United Way Agency.

1978: Relocated to the Ashwood Center, an old Bellevue school building. Hired Mimi Siegel as Executive Director.

1972: As Public Schools started to admit children with developmental delays and disabilities older than 3, Merrywood School began to focus on the birth to three age group.

1970: Merrywood School relocated to Bellevue Presbyterian Church.

1963: Moved into a Bellevue School district classroom to meet growing demands, and became known as the Merrywood School. Over the next 4 years, Merrywood School transitioned to employing professional staff.

1962: A play group founded by five parents of children with disabilities and complex medical conditions. Operated on a volunteer basis utilizing private homes.