Our Work
Collaboration is one of our highest values. Outside of meeting monthly with local early childhood champions, Inland Northwest Early Learning alliance members participate in Washington Communities for Children Learning Networks to foster learning and connection across the state.
The shared purpose of the Washington Communities for Children Learning Networks is to improve the wellbeing of children, families, and communities, with particular focus in each of the below component areas.
Child Care Voice
The statewide Child Care Voice Learning Network is a collaboration of early learning providers representing all settings, programs, and models in our state's mixed-delivery system. They engage in self-directed conversations around early learning, the children and families of their communities, and the industry’s workforce. This network hosts an annual Child Care Voice Legislative Roundtable to engage policy makers directly with early learning participants, and form workgroups around specific topics as opportunities or issues arise. The team meets on the first Thursday of each month, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with simultaneous Spanish translation and the ability to expand language support options as needed. Please contact Brittany Hartikainen to learn more or get involved!
Data
The statewide Data Learning Network is focused on assessing existing data to inform continuous early childhood resource system improvement and exploring opportunities for alignment across data systems. The team meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Please contact Rachel Hall to learn more or get involved!
Equity
The statewide Equity Learning Network monthly structure is currently on pause as we intentionally focus on our internal equity work. The Equity Learning Network has taken on various iterations and has been an important space for relationship building, shared and individual learning, and engaging with challenging topics. We hope that focusing on the internal equity work of WCFC will benefit future evolution of the Equity Learning Network.
Family Voice
The statewide Family Voice Learning Network is focused on promoting strategies to connect families with young children to the resources they need, when they need them. The network is committed to emphasizing family and community voice in system co-design efforts, especially of those most impacted by system inequities. The team is currently restructuring meeting times. Please contact Rachel Hall to learn more or get involved!
Health Provider Voice
The statewide Health Provider Voice Learning Network co-designs strategies to connect child and family health providers with one another and the community, to strengthen referral pathways, and remove barriers for families accessing services. The network works to advance and support systems change and policy change as it relates to supporting all families in healthcare settings. The team meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 3–4:15 p.m. Please contact Taylor Caragan to learn more or get involved!
Policy & Advocacy
The statewide Policy & Advocacy Learning Network is focused on identifying and advocating for resources and policies that improve the wellbeing of children, families and communities. The team meets on the third Friday of every odd month from 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Please contact Colleen Condon to learn more or get involved!
Resource Navigation & Access
The statewide Resource Navigation & Access Learning Network is focused on informing a more cohesive statewide system of resources for children, their families, and organizations, collaborating to improve resource navigation and remove barriers for families. The team meets on the first Friday of every month from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Please contact Jenny Nakata to learn more or get involved!
Regional Learning Network Leads
Helpful downloads
Learn more about INWELA, Washington Communities for Children, and our recent Parent Focus Groups by downloading the documents below.