We’ve been excited this summer to begin conversations with our staff and community partners about how to convert a recently purchased building into a new model early learning facility. August was spent gathering multiple perspectives about the possibilities for this new space — first through an online survey, and then through a half-day stakeholder workshop.
Some key priorities are emerging as we develop a vision and values for the new early learning center:
- Expand publicly funded preschool opportunities
- Provide training for those supporting children experiencing disabilities
- Better equip parents and families with the skills they need to help their children thrive
Repeatedly, we’ve heard of the need for inclusive, accessible and flexible space for parents, families and community partners, a space where all feel welcome, heard and supported. As one of our workshop participants put it, “We’re not here just to improve early learning, but to invite people into our work.”
Our partners highlighted the need to provide more support to underserved populations, including those experiencing poverty, those experiencing disabilities and families who speak languages other than English. A range of culturally responsive services and amenities would be welcomed in this new space, including parent education and training services, child care, food support and housing resources. There also is a great opportunity to incorporate demonstration rooms and space for early learning professionals to collaborate and advance best practices.
Our next steps are to vet our initial feedback with more partners, particularly families we serve, and finalize a vision and key purposes for our new space that will help us move forward with initial renovations and program/partnership planning.
