STRATEGIC PLAN

The Wood River Early Learning Advisory Committee has been working since early March to create a Strategic Plan in response to the findings of the Needs Assessment released in February of 2023. The broad overview of the strategies set forth in the multi-year plan is below. Using appropriate, detailed, and dynamic action steps to further the identified strategies, the WRELC is working closely with community partners, families, providers, and others to close the opportunity gap in education and make quality early childhood learning and care accessible to all.

The Strategic Plan for true systems change in Blaine County over the coming years is organized using four pillars of strength. The pillars are not linear but rather complement each other as work is and will be occurring within strategies under each pillar simultaneously. The four pillars under which strategies have been identified are:

  • Community-wide commitment to healthy child development

  • Access to quality services for all children and families

  • Neighborhoods where families can thrive

  • Policies that support and are responsive to families

There are very detailed action steps set forth under each strategy listed below. The action steps are updated and modified frequently as progress is made and more is discovered in this implementation phase. We are excited to grow community interest, engagement, and involvement as the Collaborative moves forward.

Please reach out to info@wrelc.org for more detailed information on the Strategic Plan concrete action steps and to get involved.

All are welcome!

PILLAR # 1

Community Leadership, Commitment and Public Will to Make Early Childhood a Priority

Strategy 1.1 - Local leaders work together across systems with a focus on early childhood.

Strategy 1.2 - Increase awareness of and commitment to supporting the work of the WRELC in Blaine County through various education and engagement strategies.

Strategy 1.3 - The community invests in young children and families.

Strategy 1.4 - Community members support and understand the importance of early childhood health, learning, and well-being.

Strategy 1.5 - Community resources for children and families are well known, accessible and easy to use.

PILLAR # 2

Children and Families Have Access to High-Quality Services that Work for All

Strategy 2.1 - Increase quality childcare capacity in Blaine County by 5% each year for the next three years.

Strategy 2.2 - Increase expertise of all (formal and informal) early childhood education providers, including families as teachers.

Strategy 2.3 - Provide childcare assistance to families earning less than 80% AMI such that total care costs do not exceed “14%” of household income (% may change).

Strategy 2.4 - Families have access to high-quality, basic services that proactively promote and support health, learning, and family strengths.

Strategy 2.5 - All children receive routine screening, identification, referral, and linkage for risks and needs.

Strategy 2.6 - Children and families at risk and those with identified needs have timely access to more intensive services.

Strategy 2.7 - Families and parents are actively engaged as partners.

Strategy 2.8 - Supports are in place for service providers.

Strategy 2.9 - Leaders use data to drive change.

PILLAR # 3

Neighborhoods Where Families Can Thrive

Strategy 3.1 - A rich network of informal supports is available for all families.

Strategy 3.2 - The built environment promotes safety and allows families to access basic services in their neighborhoods and beyond.

Strategy 3.3 - Economic and employment opportunities are available to all.

Strategy 3.4 - Residents feel a sense of belonging and hope within neighborhoods and connection to the broader community.

PILLAR # 4

Policies that Support and Are Responsive to Families

Strategy 4.1 - Policies that govern child and family services are equitable and responsive to families.

Strategy 4.2 - Workplace and other policies support families in raising children.

Strategy 4.3 - Land use and community development policies are designed with consideration for how they affect young children and families.