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What Has Been Learned? <br /> Through interviews, Speak Outs, and community dialogue, several common themes have emerged from <br /> the 66 coalitions that were established between September 2003 and 2007. Common themes include the <br /> need to increase: 1) Infant/toddler, extended hour, and respite child care; 2) Infant and early childhood <br /> mental health services; 3) Financial resources for early care and education programs due to funding cuts; <br /> 4) Outreach efforts to families who are not accessing services; 5) Early childhood opportunities due to <br /> long waiting lists in existing programs; and 6) Activities to reduce social, cultural, and economic disparities <br /> in communities. There is great local enthusiasm across diverse sectors working together to address early <br /> care and education issues and opportunities. <br /> ini <br /> rojects,Programs, and Activities Implemented <br /> Since 2003, more than 400 projects, programs, and activities have been implemented by early <br /> childhood coalitions to strengthen local early care and education. Examples include: <br /> • Conduct community literacy programs to increase reading in the homes of families with young <br /> children regardless of income; <br /> • Offer a series of comprehensive home visits for new parents/babies; <br /> • Implement a Kindergarten Transition Program in two neighboring school districts; <br /> • Form professional associations for licensed family child care providers to share resources and <br /> connect with the local early childhood community; <br /> • Hold meetings with local legislators and community members to increase awareness of early care and <br /> education; <br /> • Heighten awareness about early childhood through comprehensive media campaigns; <br /> • Equip a Community Dental Clinic Pediatric Suite serving children on MinnesotaCare and Medical <br /> Assistance; and <br /> • Provide every child, regardless of income level, a comprehensive eye exam (rather than just a <br /> "screening") before entering kindergarten. <br /> ontact Information <br /> a Northwest Minnesota Foundation ■ Northland Foundation <br /> Lin Backstrom Lynn Haglin <br /> Early Childhood Development Specialist Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director <br /> 4225 Technology Drive NW 202 West Superior Street,Suite 610 <br /> Bemidji,MN 56601 Duluth,MN 55802 <br /> (218)759-2057 1-800-659-7859 (218)723-4040 or 1-800-433-4045 <br /> www.nwmf.org www.northlandfdn.org <br /> West Central Initiative a Initiative Foundation <br /> Nancy Jost Linda Kaufmann <br /> Early Childhood Initiative Coordinator Senior Program Manager for Children,Youth&Families <br /> 1000 Western Avenue 405 First Street SE <br /> Fergus Falls,MN 56537 Little Falls,MN 56345 <br /> (218)739-2239 1-800-735-2239 (320)632-9255 1-877-632-9255 <br /> www.wcif.org www.ifound.org <br /> Southwest Initiative Foundation a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation <br /> Sara Carlson Anni O'Neill <br /> Program Officer Early Childhood Director <br /> 15 3rd Ave.NW,P.O.Box 428 25 Florence Avenue,P.O.Box 695 <br /> Hutchinson,MN 55350 Owatonna,MN 55060 <br /> (320)587-4848 1-800-594-9480 (507)455-3215 1-800-590-7759 <br /> www.swifoundation.org www.smifoundation.org <br /> "Every Young Child Deserves to be Ready for School and Ready for Life" <br />