What is WA PREP?
The Washington Personal Responsibility Education Program (WA PREP) is a sexual health education program administered by the Washington Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and Cardea. Through professional learning and capacity development, WA PREP prepares teachers and youth development professionals to implement comprehensive sexual health education (CSHE) for youth ages 11–18. All our services are provided at no cost for WA PREP partners, and we can offer small stipends to support with CSHE implementation.
The purpose of WA PREP is to increase the capacity of Intervention Partners (IPs) including school districts and youth-serving organizations, to provide CSHE. Intervention Partners are also trained to incorporate three adulthood preparation subjects (Healthy Relationships, Parent-Child Communication, and Healthy Life Skills) into their CSHE instruction.
In 2020, WA state passed RCW 28A.300.475, which requires all public schools to provide CSHE by the 2022-2023 school year. WA PREP helps school districts ensure their CSHE curriculum and implementation plan is in alignment with the new legislative requirements. While schools have had to navigate additional challenges over the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WA PREP remains dedicated to providing individualized support to help districts with CSHE implementation
WA PREP Services
WA PREP offers customized capacity development and professional learning services at no cost to our IPs to support in selecting, implementing, and sustaining comprehensive sexual health education programming.
Capacity Development supports IPs with:
- Selecting CSHE curriculum that best fits the needs of students and the school community
- Engaging community members, parents/caregivers, and school boards through informational workshops and presentations
- Supporting teachers and other facilitators with CSHE implementation
- Participating in WA PREP evaluation activities
- Creating a sustainable CSHE implementation plan
Professional Learning supports IPs by:
- Increasing comfort and confidence in facilitating CSHE through training and coaching educators
- Assisting with planning, implementation, and sustainability
WA PREP Partner Testimonials:
"It was truly a joy to come to this training. It has benefitted me both professionally and personally. I feel prepared and confident to teach the SHARP curriculum and very excited to share this vital information with our youth."
“Our last training was a huge success. The mixed ages and genders helped enrich the experience, not detract. I'm so happy it worked out so well. The kids are asking for future trainings too. Thank you for such a rewarding experience.”
"I have a blast teaching this subject to youth. I appreciate all the ideas about how to play with the curriculum to have it involve the kids more."