Early Learning Working Group (ELWG)

As one of the first Working Groups established by Partners for Prosperity, the Early Learning Working Group (ELWG) was established in 2003 as a preventive approach to reducing poverty. Community research done during the Partners for Prosperity planning phase showed that early childhood education has a strong link to poverty reduction. This recognition led to the creation of the ELWG as a means of poverty prevention for young children across Eastern Idaho. 

A coalition of stakeholders including parents, early childhood professionals, Health and Welfare representatives, non-profit and business leaders, local University personnel, teachers, librarians, and others make up the ELWG. The group meets on a monthly basis to discuss and complete activities that will benefit young children. The coalition is dedicated to improving early childhood education in Eastern Idaho through working together to improve and expand existing services as well as implement innovative pilot projects.

One of the ELWG’s most significant achievements was the award of a federal Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) grant. This grant brought nearly a million dollars into the region to implement innovative projects and programs that have significantly enhanced early learning opportunities for young children in Eastern Idaho. An example of one of the innovative programs associated with ELOA grant is the On-Wheels Learning Mobile This unit serves as a mobile preschool to assist low-income and rural families with children who lack access to quality early learning opportunities. As the second unit of its kind in Eastern Idaho, the On-Wheels Learning Mobile is requested at many community events and activities throughout the region and serves as a visible and recognizable resource for creating greater awareness about the importance of early childhood education. Other projects funded by the ELOA grant include an extensive media campaign promoting early learning, literacy kits, pre-kindergarten literacy and health screenings, child care provider and director trainings, and a variety of other projects.

In addition to projects completed with ELOA funding, the ELWG has been involved in a number of other projects. In December of 2005, the ELWG partnered with Idaho Kids Count in conducting focus groups to look at early learning issues unique to rural communities. Idaho Kids Count published a report on these findings and is available on their website. The ELWG has been working for some time on developing a brochure, poster, and television spot that outlines the basic “building blocks” of quality child care. This information will be distributed to parents and child care providers throughout Eastern Idaho. The ELWG also recently completed an Early Childhood Community Assessment in which a survey was distributed throughout the region to assess opinions of community members on a number of early childhood topics. A report explaining the findings has been completed and is available.

Anyone interested in enhancing and improving early learning opportunities in Eastern Idaho is encouraged to join the ELWG. There are no fees or dues of any kind. Meetings are typically held in Blackfoot on a monthly basis. If you wish to join the group or simply want more information, contact David Gertsch at 785-0059 or  daveg@p4peid.org .