We Are Building Strong Foundations for North Idaho’s Youngest Learners
Join the North Idaho Early Learning Collaborative!
The North Idaho Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) is a regional initiative committed to advancing high-quality early childhood education across Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties. Through strategic partnerships, professional development, and resource sharing, the ELC works to address the unique needs of local families, educators, and communities. By aligning with Idaho’s broader statewide Early Learning Collaborative projects, it enhances access to early learning, promotes best practices, and drives innovation to ensure the healthy development and school readiness of young children.
Collaborating with a diverse group of partners—including school districts, early childhood providers, community organizations, and higher education institutions—the North Idaho ELC creates a unified support network. This collective effort strengthens early childhood education, promotes holistic development, and fosters a sustainable, inclusive system of care and learning across the region.
Priorities
Identified from the 2024 local needs assessment
1. Expand Affordable Childcare Options
2. Support Economic Stability for Families
3. Support Childcare Businesses
4. Build Resilience
5. Engage Entire Community
6. Expand Inclusive and Responsive Care
7. Support Understanding of High Quality Care
Our Goals
Access
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Ensuring families can obtain quality, affordable childcare by addressing and overcoming the financial and quality obstacles identified in the needs assessment.
Sustainability
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Ensuring small businesses providing childcare thrive through supportive networks and community partnership to build a strong workforce receiving professional- level compensation.
Quality
Delivering childcare through a skilled workforce, using developmentally appropriate practices and resources, aimed at enhancing children’s school readiness and overall family well- being.
Community Outreach
We collaborate with partner agencies and programs to engage with the community at local events, spreading awareness about the critical importance of early learning. These outreach efforts provide us with the opportunity to share the impactful work of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and highlight the resources available to support children, families, and childcare providers.
Childcare Tuition Scholarships
The ALICE Childcare Scholarship Program started in 2020 to aide families in accessing childcare when cost is often a barrier. We are able to supplement families up to 7% of their income, the Federal Affordability Index for childcare. Through this program, we can alleviate the financial barrier for families to access quality childcare.
READY! for Kindergarten
READY! for Kindergarten is designed to support families with young children in developing the foundational skills needed for success in school. Focused on preparing children for their transition into kindergarten, the program provides workshops to empower caregivers in their child’s social, emotional, and academic readiness. This program is provided at no cost to families.
Local Compliance and Regulations
We work closely with local authorities to navigate compliance and regulatory requirements, helping providers overcome barriers to opening, operating, and expanding childcare programs. By streamlining processes and offering tailored support, we aim to increase access to quality care, create more childcare spaces, and support the growth of thriving, sustainable programs in our community.
Fundraising
We actively fundraise to provide vital support for all Early Learning and Care (ELC) programs, ensuring their sustainability and continued impact. By securing resources through community partnerships and innovative campaigns, we empower programs to thrive, expand, and deliver quality care and education for children and families.
Advocacy
We advocate to ensure the Region 1 community gains a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges facing childcare in our area and across the state. By raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and sharing insights, we empower stakeholders to support and strengthen the childcare system for the benefit of families and providers alike.
Professional Learning Community
Established in 2022, the Professional Learning Community (PLC) offers childcare professionals a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow. Through seasonal workshops, providers access relevant, focused training opportunities designed to enhance their skills and expertise—all at no cost. The PLC fosters a supportive network dedicated to strengthening the childcare community.
Training Stipends
Our training stipends support childcare providers across North Idaho by reducing financial barriers to professional development opportunities. These stipends help enhance childcare practices, ensuring providers can access valuable training and resources to improve the quality of care and education they offer to children and families.