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Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap: Community Collaboration Drives Early Childhood Innovation
PreK-12
Change Management
Challenge
In a county classified as a childcare desert, over 1,000 children under age five lacked access to high-quality early learning forcing families to travel up to 50 miles or forgo care altogether. Despite rising demand and an available facility, the community lacked a clear, sustainable path forward to expand services.
Approach
With a bond project on the horizon, district leadership turned to e|solve to lead a collaborative planning process. We engaged over 150 stakeholders through surveys and focus groups, assessed existing preschool programming, facilitated visits to exemplary early learning centers, and crafted a long-term financial strategy. The result: a shared vision rooted in data, community voice, and feasibility.
Impact
Secured 100% board approval of the plan
Uncontested bond approval
A future child care center with 21 classrooms