BC – ELC
Bannock County Early Learning Collaborative
BELC
Bannock County Early Learning Collaborative
The Bannock County Early Learning Collaborative, led by United Way of Southeastern Idaho, brings together educators, businesses, healthcare providers, schools, libraries, and government agencies to improve early childhood education. By supporting childcare providers, providing resources for families, and expanding access to quality programs, we prepare children for success in school and life.
51%
of Idaho children live in an ALICE home
(Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
This can often mean children have less access to educational items and services, which can severally delay their growth.
Even without this hurdle, the fields of Early Childhood Education and Child Care are confronted with significant challenges. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to elevate the professions by creating an environment where every interaction with children is intentional and impactful. We aim to harness the expertise of providers and our affiliations to enhance community awareness and drive meaningful change in the following areas:
SCHOOL READINESS
Over 130 hours dedicated to delivering training and technical assistance to childcare providers to enhance quality programing and increase school readiness.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Expanding Read Talk Play Every Day Initiative (RTP) to Bannock County which includes library kits, Ready! for Kindergarten, Classes for Parents, and RTP family engagement events.
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Raising awareness of the vital impact of early learning on children and communities through business, municipal, state, and national platforms.
OUTCOMES
It is our goal that every child in Southeastern Idaho will have opportunities before starting school to cultivate social, emotional, intellectual, academic, and physical abilities, enabling them to thrive in life.
OUR COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Partnering with Families, Providers, and Community Leaders to Build a Brighter Future
SUPPORTING FAMILIES
By empowering parents as a child’s first and best teacher, offering meaningful family engagement opportunities, and ensuring access to quality programs through scholarships, we strive to build stronger bonds within families and foster thriving communities.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
In partnership with Mayor Blad, we facilitate monthly meetings with local large businesses to address challenges and identify strategic solutions. Strong communities thrive on the collective efforts of government, businesses, and families working together.
QUALITY EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION
Partner with local early learning programs and community partners to provide technical assistance and trainings to increase quality care and teaching in centers.
ADVOCACY
Through collaboration with community leaders, businesses, and policymakers, we advocate for solutions that strengthen families, enhance educational outcomes, and create vibrant, resilient communities.
ADDRESSING THE SUPPORT GAPS
for ALICE families
235,006 Idaho Children
live in a home that doesn’t earn enough to afford housing, food, transportation, health care, technology, taxes and child care – the basics needed to live and work in the current economy.
42% of Idaho Children
in households with 2 adults, in the labor force, are still below the ALICE threshold.
33% of Preschool-age Children
below the ALICE threshold were much less likely than their peers, above the threshold (52%), to be enrolled in preschool.
INVESTING IN CHILDCARE PROVIDERS
In Idaho, the average Childcare Provider makes $13.50 an hour, categorized as an ALICE household, yet their essential work supports the entire economy by enabling others to work.
Dedicated providers consistently invest their personal time to enhance the quality of care they provide.
THE RESULTS ARE IN
SHAPING KINDERGARTEN SUCCESS IN AMERICAN FALLS
In 2019, only 19% of students entered Kindergarten at or above grade level. With the efforts of the American Falls Early Learning Collaborative, proficiency has increased by 20% over the past five years, reducing the need for intensive intervention.
KEY
Below Grade Level
Students performing significantly below grade level, requiring intensive, individualized intervention to support academic growth.
Slightly Below Grade Level
Students performing slightly below grade level, requiring targeted intervention to address specific skill gaps.
At or Above Grade Level
Students performing at or above grade level and demonstrating the skills needed to meet academic expectations.