Our Early Childhood Initiative has been working diligently in the region during the past 12 months. Our fiscal year ends June 30. Here’s what we’ve been doing:
- We distributed an amazing 9,180 books to partners across southwest Minnesota. These books will be given out at events and programs through our local ECI’s, libraries and other organizations.
- We also continued our work with First Children’s Finance to develop learning cohorts with Child Care Providers across the northwestern portion of our region. Providers have been getting together to network, attain professional development, and build relationships with one another.
- The Early Childhood Dental Network-Southwest completed its first year with many successes celebrated. Partnerships with several mobile units, public health staff, medical personnel and Early Childhood professionals made this project have impact in many communities across our region.
Tari Niemeyer - Finally, this year concluded with increasing staff capacity to help enhance the Early Childhood Initiative program. Tari Niemeyer joined our staff last month. Tari will be working with Jodi Maertens and our Early Childhood Initiative. She will offer direct support to the local ECI coalitions and work to expand the Thrive Coalition region wide. Her duties will also include support for events, training and meeting opportunities.
We are looking forward to many new and exciting things to come during fiscal year 2016!
