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Building Strong Foundations for

Boone County’s Future

Get Involved

Connecting families, providers, employers, and the community to improve access to quality early learning.

Get Involved

mhight-thomas@boonecountyearlylearning.org

“Investing in Our Children Today Strengthens Our Community Tomorrow.”

We’re Official!

The Boone County Early Learning Coalition is now a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit—opening new doors to support children, families, and early learning professionals across Boone County.
Join us In Our Mission

Our Mission

We work to ensure all young children in Boone County thrive by empowering families, providers, caregivers, and the community to sustain safe, nurturing environments for children’s learning and development.

Supporting Families

We provide resources and guidance to help families navigate early learning options and create enriching environments at home.

Partnering with Educators

We engage early learning providers and teachers to strengthen programs, share best practices, and build a collaborative network.

Building Connections

We work with local businesses and organizations to promote initiatives that benefit children, families, and employees alike.

Boone County Child Care Analysis Report

Boone County is a growing community that benefits when families are supported and young children thrive. Yet data confirms that many of our families experience significant barriers to accessing reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning. These barriers impact a child’s development and readiness for school, family stability, and ultimately, our community.

The Boone County Early Learning Coalition was formed in response to these local realities. The Boone County Child Care Needs Assessment shows that while nearly two-thirds of young children in Boone County may need care, current providers can meet only about 75% of that demand—leaving almost 700 children without access. Cost of care far exceed state averages, placing significant strain on working families, while limited access to high-quality programs and a struggling child care workforce further restrict available options. These challenges don’t just affect families—they impact employers, workforce participation, and the strength of our local economy.

Rather than relying solely on outside solutions, the Coalition exists to lead a community-driven response—one that is informed by data, shaped by lived experience, and rooted in Boone County’s strengths. By engaging families and providers, fostering partnerships, sharing resources, and supporting local innovation, we aim to expand access, strengthen the workforce, and sustain early learning solutions that truly meet the needs of our community.

Read the Boone County Child Care Needs Assessment to explore the data and learn how our community can move forward together.

View PDF

Why Does Boone County Need An
Early Learning Coalition?

We’re committed to addressing the child care crisis and building strong foundations for every child.
How does the coalition support families?
We provide guidance, resources, and connections to help families access quality early learning programs and create nurturing home environments.
What resources are available to Educators?
Educators can access professional development, networking opportunities, and support to enhance the quality of early learning programs.
How can employers get involved?
Local businesses can partner with us to support initiatives that benefit children, employees, and the wider community.
What makes Boone County unique?
Boone County has a close-knit community committed to innovative solutions that address child care challenges at the local level.
How do you measure impact?
We track participation, program outcomes, and community engagement to ensure our initiatives positively affect children and families.
Are programs free or low-cost?
Many of our programs and resources are free or offered at a low cost to make early learning accessible to all families.
How does the coalition collaborate with local partners?
We work closely with schools, child care providers, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen support networks for children.
How can I volunteer or donate?
Community members can volunteer time, share expertise, or provide financial support to help expand early learning opportunities in Boone County.

Learn More About the Movement for Boone County Early Learning

Together, we can ensure every child has access to safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning experiences.

Get Involved Today!