Our Mission & Values

 

Mission

Northwest Early Learning Coalition (NWEL) exists to make excellence in early learning achievable and sustainable to every child in northwest Washington.

NWEL is a proud Washington Communities for Children regional representative and Help Me Grow regional affiliate, working alongside local communities and partners to connect families with young children to the supports they need, when they need them.

 

Values

 
A group of young kids standing in a circle holds hands high.

Alignment

NWEL Coalition is committed to being actively engaged in systems level change in alignment with existing and emerging state level measures. We seek to align our regional efforts across our five counties, without sacrificing recognition and attention to the unique conditions and needs of each. 


Equity

We approach our work with cultural humility and a commitment to address racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and other inequities that exist in our region. We acknowledge that there are opportunity gaps for many children and families based on race, ethnicity, gender, income, ability, culture, and geography. We commit to eliminating these gaps and addressing the root causes. 

Kids flexes his muscles.

Two young kids read together in a sand box.

Adaptability

We recognize that we are living in times of unprecedented change and are committed to operate in a way in which we can seek and seize new opportunities, and to be nimble and responsive in the face of uncertainty. We recognize systems work is complex and requires constant and continuous design. 


strength-based

We believe in focusing on assets, rather than barriers or deficits. We are diligently focused on promoting positive strategies that work for children, families, and communities.

A girls holds up her drawing.

A father figure holds two kids.

families

We honor families as their child’s first teachers and strongest advocates. We commit to working beside and with parents, family members, and all other caregivers to help all children achieve their greatest potential. 


community voice

We believe children, families, and communities are integral in creating policy and making program decisions that impact their lives. We believe local communities are best suited to identify community needs, and we commit to innovative solutions that are co-designed from the beginning. 

A young girl peaks out the window of a wooden play structure.

Two children ride on bikes.

Excellence

We commit to making our Coalition impactful and effective. We will define our desired outcomes, document our progress, and measure and report results. Our excellence is achieved through improved data indicators in every county throughout the region. All for one and one for all.