About Us

Ortonville Early Childhood Coalition

A group of concerned citizens recruited from diverse sectors of our community for the purpose of raising awareness about the importance of quality early childhood experiences, stimulating creative responses to local needs and creating a unified voice to influence public and private policy.

Local Co-Coordinator: Kerry Klepel & Kari Dorry

Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative

PRIORITY:
As part of our effort to “Connect Youth and Communities” the Southwest Initiative Foundation is engaged in an initiative to assure that all of our youngest children thrive, and have a healthy life of learning, achieving, and succeeding.

OPPORTUNITY:
Investing in children during their earliest years is one of the most worthwhile economic investments we can make.

NEED:
Only one in five children enters kindergarten with the language and literacy skills necessary to succeed.  We must do better!

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
Every child must have the opportunity to learn, be safe, and be loved.
Parents have the most important role to play, but need and deserve the support of the broader community to be successful.
All children must enter school ready to learn.
Investment in our youngest children leads to valuable economic impact on our communities.
The best interests of our youngest children must be a priority for local leaders and all policymakers.

PROJECT AND PROCESS:
Community Organizing:  Working with families, local communities are best equipped to consider and respond to the needs of our youngest children.