Evanston Child Development Center Supports 500 Kids and Their Families

The Evanston Child Development Center (ECDC) is the only childcare facility in Wyoming to receive federal Early Head Start/Childcare Partnership funding. ECDC meets enhanced standards for care, including establishing reduced student-teacher ratios, hiring degreed instructors, and investing in intensive professional development. 

However, offering the elite care expected of Head Start facilities is only one way ECDC supports Uinta County. This non-profit organization serves nearly 500 kids at or below the poverty level and offers comprehensive health and family services to parents and caretakers.

“We are one of the most important factors of economic development in Evanston,” says Kendra West, Executive Director of ECDC. “If my kids aren’t safe or have quality care, I won’t be at work, and most parents feel the same.”

Not only does the ECDC provide families with reliable childcare, but it also assists with housing, applying for jobs, and connecting with local and state services. The ECDC directly impacts the lives of families who trust their kids with their care. Learn more about how ECDC supports the Evanston community. 

ECDC Is Open Throughout the Year

The staff at ECDC understands that parents have to work through holidays and school breaks, which is why this organization is open throughout the year. It offers before-school and after-school care, summer camp activities when school is out, and transportation to and from the local schools. The less parents have to worry about where their kids are, or how they will receive care after school, the more they can focus on building their careers.

“ECDC stayed open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic because our families needed us,” says West. “Parents were called into work because they were essential, and they needed somewhere for their kids to go. It was very difficult to find childcare that was open.”

While ECDC accommodates 500 kids through its Evanston and Mountain View facilities, it continues to expand to meet the needs of the community.

“We keep growing because we don’t like to turn anybody away,” says West. “Parents have to work.” 

Children Receive Quality Care That Fosters Growth

ECDC isn’t just a safe space for kids; it is also a stimulating environment where they can learn and develop new skills and habits. West is proud that there aren’t any TVs in the classrooms, and team members discourage screen time both in the center and at home.  

ECDC’s programs are designed to support well-rounded development. Kids explore the beautiful parks around Evanston and connect with nature. They learn American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish to better communicate with their peers. There are even age-appropriate financial planning programs where kids learn how to earn money and have opportunities to spend or save it.

“Kids need to have imaginations, so we create opportunities for them to run and play outdoors,” says West. “The goal is to get kids ready for school in a safe and caring environment.”

ECDC is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It works closely with the local school district to understand what kids need to succeed as they transition to kindergarten. Starting their early years on the right foot can give kids a learning foundation they carry through high school and beyond.  

Parents Benefit From Learning Opportunities and Referrals

ECDC is eager to involve parents in the program and offers several opportunities to connect with community services. It has a relationship with the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), allowing parents to receive education and training to seek higher-paying jobs. It partners with banks so parents can feel comfortable seeking financial help. By listening to the needs and concerns of families, ECDC can find community partners that offer solutions.

In addition to providing external referrals, ECDC has internal resources to support families. It hosts parenting classes in its facilities and will soon open a test kitchen that will be used to teach families about nutrition and affordable meal preparation options.

ECDC also works with parents of kids with disabilities to help them learn how to navigate the school system and advocate for their children once they leave the care center.

“Everything we do here sets the kids up for success in school,” says Quentin Rinker, Program Director at ECDC. “If we can’t find a partner that provides what families need, we tend to develop the programs or services ourselves.”

Investing in parents is one of the best ways to set kids up for success. When parents have stable, better-paying jobs, they have the funds to meet their kids' needs. When parents don’t have to work multiple jobs or can work standard business hours, they have more time to play and read with their children, creating positive memories while supporting their development. Better lives for parents will lead to safer, healthier childhoods for kids.   

The Entire Community Benefits from ECDC

Investing in childcare services will benefit Evanston in the coming decades as kids grow up and use their imaginations and critical thinking skills to become community leaders and entrepreneurs. However, ECDC also impacts Evanston families and employers. Its childcare services and resource sharing allow parents to seek training opportunities that make them more appealing to hiring managers. Its expansion projects and growth plans will support small businesses across Evanston.

“If you want economic development in your community, you need stable childcare options,” says West. “Several businesses would struggle to hire employees if we weren’t here.”

There is a strong correlation between childcare access and productivity. Parents who have access to childcare options are less likely to miss work and more likely to be productive because they know their kids are safe, fed, and learning. The presence of childcare options like ECDC helps local companies grow while potentially attracting new ones.

EDCD is a non-profit organization that accepts donations to support its programs. The City of Evanston owns the property and helped ECDC build the preschool building. Its existence is made possible through community and government support.   

Evanston is Growing Because of Partners Like ECDC

Economic development extends beyond site selection and business recruitment. It requires communities to create healthy places where entire families can thrive. When the youngest residents of Uinta County are safe, their parents can seek better opportunities and grow.

ECDC is just one example of a community organization investing in Evanston and giving residents brighter futures. Together, countless non-profits, community groups, and businesses can make Evanston a wonderful place to live with supportive neighbors.

Learn more about Evanston and why this community is worth investing in.