In 2021, CCSA’s Board of Directors adopted a three-year strategic plan with a new mission and a first-ever vision and set of core values, all of which are found here. Focused both externally on the ECE workforce and building awareness and internally on our infrastructure and systems, its goals include:
- Build awareness of CCSA, our programs and the impact of our work;
- Build capacity and support for the workforce to promote equitable, affordable access to quality early care and education for children and families;
- Diversify funding sources to allow flexibility in the administration of services and programs and to support the sustainability of the organization; and
- Develop the infrastructure to support a sustainable, high-functioning organization.
Created during the first year of the pandemic, the strategic planning process was unique. On reflection, there were benefits to creating a plan during this time. Because the pandemic forced organizations and individuals to invent new ways of doing things, those involved in this process (our board and leadership team members) were able vision more creatively and considering new strategies and methods. The final strategic plan embraced that creativity as it set new goals for CCSA.
At the September 2022 board meeting the plan was revisited, with data presented about all that has been accomplished since the strategic plan’s adoption. CCSA has successfully completed work in each goal area.
- Traffic to CCSA’s website has increased 27% in one year.
- National engagement has more than doubled as CCSA staff have presented at several national events, and participated in national conversations on the early childhood workforce and early childhood homelessness. Additionally, our National Center’s rebranded convening drew attendees from more than 30 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico.
- Spanish-speaking early childhood educators benefited from outreach materials and forms translated into Spanish.
- Working collaboratively with our partners to encourage expansion of Durham PreK, Durham County increased funding for FY23 resulting in 94 new seats and six additional classrooms.
- To diversify funding, CCSA received first-time grants from multiple foundations.
- Staff researched and wrote two workforce landscape reports for a funder in western NC.
- We updated workplace policies and protocols in response to COVID-19.
- Finally, we automated contracting and payment systems (payroll and vendor payments).
CCSA’s board and staff are committed to our strategic plan and organizational mission, as we remain dedicated to our vision that all children have equitable access to affordable, high quality early care and education to lay the foundation for successful life outcomes.
