Champions in Early Childhood
Date of Project: 02-2007
Name of Coalition: Bemidji Early Childhood Coalition
MIF: Northwest Minnesota Foundation,
Project Overview: Increase awareness of the importance of having family/young child friendly activities and settings in Bemidji. Recognize area businesses that are "child friendly" and promote the Bemidji ECI.
Cost of Project:
# of Children 0-5 Served: 0
# of Children 6-18 Served: 0
# of Adults Served: 0
# Families Served: 0
Lessons Learned/Outcomes: Our coalition came up with an idea to promote awareness of young children's needs and recognize area businesses that are "child friendly". We decided to choose 2 or 3 "Champions in Early Childhood" at each coalition meeting, based on member's input about businesses that are doing special things for young children or are "child friendly". After we choose the business we create a Champion for Early Childhood certificate, frame it, and present it to the business sometime during the month. Examples include presenting certificates to a chain restaurant for having a step stool in the bathroom so children can reach the sink, a privately owned restaurant for providing color crayons and paper for children, and Paul Bunyan Broadcasting for hosting the "Radioathon to End Child Abuse" each year. The business can choose to hang the framed certificate which will increase awareness of the Bemidji ECI.
Project Frequency: