About IMPACT

Early childhood educators face growing challenges. At IMPACT, we equip educators with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to create inclusive classrooms where every child thrives.
What we offer
Who we serve
Why IMPACT

Our Mission

To empower early childhood educators to include children with challenging behaviors and disabilities through high-quality professional development and training.

Our Vision

A future where every educator feels supported, and every child is welcomed.
What we offer

Professional Development & Support for YOU

On-Demand eLearning

Flexible, engaging courses that educators can access anytime, on any device.

In-Person Training

On-site or virtual workshops designed for your staff or organization.

Customized Consultation

Personalized coaching sessions with experts in early childhood education.
Who we serve

Is IMPACT right for you?

  • Educators: Early childhood teachers (infant, toddler, preschool, Pre-K, early elementary), childcare providers, after-school staff
  • Leaders: Program directors, school administrators looking to strengthen staff capacity
  • Specialists: Coaches, early interventionists, QRIS agencies, home visitors
  • Families & Caregivers: Parents, guardians, and anyone supporting inclusive education

Together, We Build Inclusive Classrooms. Let’s Get Started.

Join us in creating a future where inclusion is a reality in every classroom. Whether you’re an individual educator or leading a program, you can start transforming classrooms today:
On-demand and available year-round.
Customizable workshops for your staff or organization.
Boost your skills by meeting 1:1 with experts in ECE.
Still have questions?
Email us!

What our learners say

Every detail presented was so helpful. Before, I had limited knowledge about autism and only had an understanding through observing children in my class. But this felt like a crash course that compiled all the important information I need to know to better approach children with autism.
User from Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
I have gained a lot of inspiration and ideas from this course; it's helped me provide more diversified teaching skills, knowledge and strategies for the classroom.
User from Beyond the Sensory Table: Classroom Strategies
As usual with Impact courses, the education and expertise of the presenters shines through. I also love the emphasis on focusing on the behavior, its root causes and potential solutions; the child is not the problem and this training articulates that very well, while still acknowledging the challenging nature of biting incidents in an ECE program.
User from Bye Bye Biting
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Why We Exist

IMPACT teaches educators how to manage everyday obstacles like supporting children with challenging behaviors and disabilities by offering practical, research-based strategies that work in a group-care setting.
WHY IMPACT

Benefits of Working
with IMPACT

Experts

Our multidisciplinary team includes educators, therapists, and mental health specialists. So you know every element is grounded in best practices and current research in child development, early childhood education, trauma-informed care, and infant and early childhood mental health. 

We’re Built on a Legacy of Inclusion

Northwest Center helped pioneer inclusive education in the U.S., co-authoring the first civil rights legislation for children with disabilities. IMPACT continues that legacy by addressing today’s urgent need for inclusive early learning.
See our decades of history...

Northwest Center History

Northwest Center is a non-profit organization 501-C3 based in Seattle, Washington.
The agency was founded by parents who wouldn’t rest until children with disabilities across the U.S. gained access to public education. IMPACT builds on that legacy of inclusion, drawing on more than 60 years of experience in inclusive early learning and our comprehensive Birth-to-Three Early Intervention program. 

1965

Northwest Center Early Learning Founded

Northwest Center founded by parents who refused to institutionalize their children with disabilities.

1971

House Bill 90 - Education for All

Co-authored and passed House Bill 90: Education for All, the first U.S. civil rights law for children with disabilities.

1975

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Inspired federal legislation: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

2004

Part C: Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)

Began delivering early intervention services

2018

IMPACT Launched

IMPACT (Inclusion Mentorship Program for Increasing Access in Childcare Team) program launched. Why? Instead of building one inclusive school for a handful of children , our goal was to spark a movement. Let’s train and empower educators to bring inclusion to classrooms everywhere.

Every child deserves to belong. Inclusion starts with

you!