photo courtesy of the Leelanau Children’s Center
What We Do
The Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission (LECDC) is a community based organization and a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with a volunteer board of directors, focused on supporting families with young children in Leelanau County, Michigan.
The mission of the LECDC is to provide families access to a high quality, comprehensive, and accountable system of care and early childhood education for children from birth through age five.
To accomplish our mission, the LECDC is focused upon the following:
Assist through tuition scholarships to provide access to quality childcare programs.
Ensure quality in childcare & preschool programs.
Support families and parents with programs such as home visits, weekly playgroups, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
Monitor meeting objectives through accountability measures and research.
“Healthy families, parenting support, and early childhood programming are essential! If children have healthy experiences during the pre-school years, they will have the necessary foundation for school success and will come to kindergarten ready to learn.”
The History of the leelanau early childhood development commission
1990 through 2010
Advances in Services Offered for Children
Family Support Team (FST)
FST part of Leelanau County Family Coordinating Council (LCFCC)
1994 - Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) Emerges
1996 through 2004
To fill gaps in: services, access, quality, parent education & support and counseling, ECI develops and implements:
Parenting Communities
Quality Enhancement
Child Care Access Fund
In 1998, the ECI wins recognition as an exemplary program!
2009
A group of community members decided funding for a Early Childhood System in Leelanau County is critical!
February 19, 2010
Early Childhood Investors formed:
Why Invested in Babies and Parents
Pros & Cons of Regional Approach
Existing Funding inadequate
Cost Versus Community Benefits
Total Project Funding
Housing
Numbers: Kids and Needed Programs
Financing and Timing
5 Task Forces Created:
Message Development
Messenger
Funding
Political Process
Campaign Planning
July 27th Meeting
Recommends Steering Committee Develop Plan
August 24th
Steering Committee Begins Work
Mission Statement Developed
What’s in a Name?
Robust plan created for accessible, high quality Early Childhood infrastructur
Project components:
Parenting Communities; family support
Access to preschool/child care; tuition assistance
Quality Enhancement; ensuring that all early childhood programs are high quality
Leadership/research/evaluation; leadership and research/evaluation will sustain the project
2011 to April 2012
Bylaws Created & Incorporation Documents filed
509(a)(1) Non Profit Status Sought
Website Development Explored
Messenger Committee Activated
LECDC Board Established
Early Childhood Investors Steering Committees serves as advisory to Board
April 2012 to July 2012
LECDC meets with County Board to educate as to status of EC programs leading up to request to place question on the ballot asking voters if they would support an early childhood Millage.
September 2012
LECDC decided to invest in Goal #3 and support Parenting Communities program
2013-2015
Leelanau County Family coordinating Council agrees to provide 50% of Parenting Communities Coordinator Expense for 2013-14, 25% of 2014-15 and as October 1, 2015 LECDC assumes full responsibilities for expense.
October 1, 2015 to Present
LECDC full responsible for Parenting Communities program.