Our Mission
To empower children and families within a secure, respectful, and celebratory learning environment, while strengthening our wider community.
Our Vision
We envision a future where each family within our community is empowered to thrive and flourish in a world of continuous change. Our safe and nurturing educational programming is a cornerstone of respectful relationships, and we champion the celebration of everyday life.
Together, we aspire to build a stronger, more inclusive community that supports and uplifts all its members, fostering growth, resilience, and shared success.
Our Story
The journey of the Bitterroot Early Learning Network (BELN) began in 1980 as Bitterroot Preschool, founded by a group of dedicated parents seeking quality early childhood education for their children. By 1984, our collective passion and commitment led us to become a nonprofit, named Evergreen Kids Corner, and in 1989, we proudly purchased the schoolhouse where EKC stands today.
For decades, EKC operated as a parent cooperative, deeply involving families in the fabric of our programs. In 2018, we began shifting from this model to better support and extend our reach within the community. This evolution culminated in 2023 when we rebranded to the Bitterroot Early Learning Network, a name that reflects our broadened scope of services and our commitment to enhancing early childhood education across the Bitterroot Valley.
Today, BELN stands as a cornerstone of Early Childhood Education (ECE), transforming from a mere educational institution into a comprehensive advocate for community-wide development. Our holistic approach intertwines family involvement with educational advocacy, creating a place-based learning environment that deepens children’s connections to their community. This not only enhances their education but also fosters a sense of belonging and stewardship.
As we move forward, BELN is committed to being an expert in quality early childhood education, continuously aligning our programs with strategic goals that foster systems-based societal impact. Our work spans four main domains:
- Early Childhood Education: Innovating and delivering educational programs that set the foundation for lifelong learning.
- Family Support Services: Providing resources and support that empower families within their child’s educational journey.
- Provider Support Services: Offering training and development to equip educators with the tools they need to excel.
- Community, Business, and Policy Engagement: Working collaboratively across sectors to advocate for policies that support sustainable educational initiatives.
We are grateful for all the dedicated individuals who have nurtured and sustained our organization for over 40 years. As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities to further grow and impact our community.
Join us as we continue to innovate and advocate for a future where every child and family in the Bitterroot Valley thrives.
A Legacy of Learning and Growth
As we continue to grow and evolve, BELN remains dedicated to adapting our approaches to meet the changing needs of the families we serve, always with the goal of nurturing the potential of every child and fostering a community that values education, collaboration, and mutual support.
Through this comprehensive systems-based approach, BELN not only supports the immediate educational needs of children but also builds a foundation for lifelong learning and community engagement, paving the way for a more informed, empowered, and cohesive society.
Our Theory of Change
Community and Policy Engagement
BELN actively engages with the wider community and policymakers to advocate for effective and sustainable early childhood education policies. By collaborating with local businesses, non-profits, and governmental agencies, we aim to create an ecosystem that supports our Theory of Change, ensuring that all children have access to the educational opportunities that will enable them to thrive.
Our commitment extends to nurturing a love for learning that reaches beyond the classroom, uniting families, educators, and the community in a shared educational experience. Through these efforts, we not only educate but also advocate, driving change that benefits all members of our community.
Our Core Values
At Bitterroot Early Learning Network, our core values of Place-Based Education, Family First, and Advocacy are not just principles but practices woven into every aspect of our operations and services.
By consistently applying these core values, BELN not only enhances the quality of early childhood education provided but also fosters a well-supported, interconnected community that optimizes child development and educational outcomes across all settings.
Uniting Paths, Unleashing Potential
BELN’s Four-Domain Framework for an Educated, Supported, and Connected Community.
