Members of the Early Childhood Coalition of Flathead Valley
Why Join? See the list of benefits below!
Our 2023-2024 Sponsoring Members
(click the organization’s name to visit their website):
Discovery Developmental Center
Healthy Beginnings Pediatric Therapy
Our members and partners recognize that the first 8 years of childhood are a uniquely important time. In addition to being adorable and playful, children are consistently learning and testing their environments and relationships. With advances in brain development research, we now understand that every moment of childhood matters.
What are the benefits of working with us & why does it matter?
-
-
Since our beginning in 2011, the Coalition has strived to offer our member organizations:
· Opportunities to enhance and build relationships in the early childhood community
· Enhanced coordination of services and referrals for children and families
· Professional development, networking and mutual support
· Connections with other sectors like law enforcement, K-12 schools, and statewide organizations
-
What We Do:
Communication, Coordination and Relationship-Building between Providers
- Built “infrastructure” for the Council: Held formative meetings with the Steering Committee, formed several committees and working groups, created Guiding Document, organizational chart and letters of commitment
- Convened meetings of dozens of organizations to form the Council, allowing for communication, coordination, and relationship-building that support better referrals and increased collaboration
- Educated Council members and guests about finding community resources, the pending 211 service, mental health services and domestic violence.
- Developed and furnished an office for the Council, and created and maintained contact information to allow for a wide communication network
- Created a Strategic Plan, including a “Blue Sky” Vision for the Early Care System in Flathead County, a SWOT analysis of the current system, and goals to guide the work of the Council
- Assessed needs of young children and families in a comprehensive way: Surveyed community members and providers, conducted focus groups of families and providers
- Completed detailed assessment of home visiting needs, and used results to guide the Strategic Plan and collaborative grant applications
Collaboration for Family Support
- Supported the creation of a new collaborative parent education program, Flathead Family Partners, expanding the Parents as Teachers model to three nonprofits and bringing the SafeCare Augmented model to the Flathead. The Council acts as the advisory body for the collaborative effort
- Adopted Parents as Teachers as the Council-supported model for home visiting
- Planned and carried out the Family Forum and Resource Fair with mini-seminars on early childhood topics, parent consultations, resource booths, and food for the community
- Participated in community events such as the Northwest Montana Fair, Breastfeeding Fair and Share Fairs to gather input on the needs assessment and connect families to community resources
- Distributed approximately $5,000 in educational books, and $4,000 in backpacks to children at community fairs and events through Family Forum grant support to the Council
Professional Development to Improve Direct Services
- Provided education in Parents as Teachers model (including 3-5 year old component in May 2014)
- Provided seminar in Trauma-Informed Care
- Provided I Am Moving, I Am Learning seminar to incorporate movement into education
- Providing Bridges Out of Poverty seminar