Community Partners

Building a Stronger Early Childhood System Together

At Foundation First, we believe that thriving communities begin with thriving children. Through our leadership of Ready Region North Central (RRNC), we bring together families, educators, businesses, and community leaders to build a connected Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) system that supports every child from birth to five.

Our partnerships fuel more than early learning, they strengthen families, expand workforce participation, and grow our regional economy.

Why Partner With Us

As the regional systems-building lead for Ready Region North Central, Foundation First coordinates the work that connects childcare, schools, businesses, and communities into one unified system of care.

When you partner with us, you help:

Expand access to quality early childhood programs across the region.
Support working families through coordinated enrollment and family engagement.
Strengthen the educator pipeline through professional development and quality improvement.
Shape regional solutions that are data-driven, equitable, and community-informed.
Build sustainability for the ECCE system through shared governance and strategic investment.

Ways to Get Involved

Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, educator, or local leader — your partnership matters. There are several ways to join Foundation First and contribute to ECCE systems building in

Be part of the conversation that shapes how early childhood services work together in our communities.

→ Engage through our Community Task Forces, Superintendent Councils, or Family Councils — where voices come together to identify needs, share data, and create coordinated regional strategies.

Collaborate on initiatives that strengthen the birth-to-five system — from family engagement campaigns to workforce readiness projects.

→ Examples: Family resource events, business roundtables, or childcare access studies.

Use your platform to elevate early education as a community and economic priority.

→ Join our Shared Governance Council or support policy and funding conversations that ensure long-term sustainability for the ECCE system.

Your investment helps fill the gaps that state and federal grants can’t cover — supporting innovation, capacity-building, and system integration.

→ Make a tax-deductible donation or sponsor events like our Data Deep Dive or Childcare Investment Luncheon.

Attend Foundation First events to stay informed, connect with regional partners, and see systems building in action.

→ Examples: Annual Data Deep Dive, Family & Provider Conference, or regional roundtables.

Ready to Join Us?

Every puzzle piece matters in building a coordinated, high-quality ECCE system for children and families. Together, we can make early childhood education a shared community priority — one that lifts families, empowers educators, and drives regional growth.

Become a Partner

Join a Council or Task Force

Sponsor an Event

Contact Us to explore how your organization can play a role in ECCE systems building across Ready Region North Central.