The first five years of life shape everything that follows—90% of brain development happens before age five. Yet, too many families struggle to find and afford quality child care. 75% of children who start kindergarten behind never catch up, and 51% of fourth-graders in our community aren’t reading proficiently. These early gaps don’t just impact individual children; they create long-term challenges for our schools, workforce, and economy.
But when families have access to affordable, high-quality child care, everyone benefits. Parents can work, build careers, and provide for their families without the stress of unreliable care. Businesses gain a stronger, more dependable workforce, reducing absenteeism and turnover. And communities grow stronger—children who start school ready to learn are more likely to graduate, earn higher wages, and become engaged, contributing members of society. Investing in early education is not just about children—it’s about securing a better future for all of us.
CLOSING THE GAP IN EARLY LEARNING
GGUW is working to connect businesses, schools, families, and child care providers to expand early learning options, increase affordability, and create long-term solutions that benefit everyone. Through collaboration, investment, and advocacy, we are working to ensure that every child has access to the early education they need to thrive.
OUR EARLY LEARNING INTIATIVES
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Providing free books to children from birth to age five, fostering a love of reading and improving early literacy skills.
Sign Up for Free Books in Gallatin County, or in Park County.
Pre-K Summer Camp
A summer program designed to help children develop critical early learning skills through interactive play, ensuring they enter kindergarten confident and ready. Support Pre-K Programs
Early Literacy & School Partnerships
Partnering with 12 local schools to improve early literacy, provide reading support, and help more children succeed in school. Support Early Literacy
Early Childhood Community Council (ECCC)
A coalition of leaders from education, health care, and child care working together to strengthen early learning systems and ensure children enter kindergarten prepared. Join the ECCC
CHILD Task Force
A task force of experts dedicated to developing innovative child care solutions that meet the needs of working families and support local businesses. Join the CHILD Task Force
Big Sky Early Childhood Alliance
A three-year initiative addressing child care affordability and availability in Big Sky, ensuring more families have access to high-quality early learning programs. Learn More
Be Part of the Solution
Expanding early learning opportunities strengthens families, businesses, and our entire community. Every child deserves a strong start, and together, we can make that a reality.
Donate – Support early learning programs.
Advocate – Champion early learning and child care as essential to a thriving community.
Join us in ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Get involved today!
