The Bloomington Early Learning Advisory Council is a group of volunteer parents and other Early Childhood supporters who are interested in promoting the goals of Bloomington Public Schools Early Childhood programs which serve our youngest learners, age birth through 5 years old.

Our Mission

To strengthen the parent/caregiver commitment to Bloomington Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) as well as advise and advocate on behalf of all of Bloomington Early Learning Services, which includes ECFE, Early Childhood Screening, preschool programming for three- and four-year-olds, and Early Childhood Special Education.

Our Bylaws

The purpose of bylaws for corporations is to establish BELAC’s management structure and procedures. This legally binding document serves as an operating manual for the organization and is developed by its board of directors. Read the Bylaws

What We Do

We focus our work in four areas:

1. Planning events, activities, and offerings that bring families together

2. Increasing awareness of ECFE and all Early Learning programs so more families know about them

3. Raising money to support Bloomington Early Learning Services

4. Providing feedback to continually improve Bloomington Early Learning Services

Project Highlights from Past Years:

• Raised $1000+ to help with diaper need in Bloomington

• Hosted regular, free Family Open Gym nights during winter months

• Sourced discounted tickets for group visits to Minnesota Children’s Museum and Crayola Experience

• Launched ECSE Connect, a support group for families receiving Early Childhood Special Education services

• Raised $5,535 raised for new gym equipment for Pond and Southwood Early Learning Centers

• Hosted Staff Appreciation events for 100+ Early Learning teachers and staff

• Hosted a free end-of-the-year Family Picnic at Moir Park

• Offered “We Play to Learn” spirit wear through our online store

Three Ways to Get Involved

• Board Member: Commit to a full year of membership including attending 10 monthly meetings. You will have voting privileges and be able to help make decisions. View Current Board Members

• Occasional Volunteer: Can’t commit to monthly meetings, but interested in helping with one-off tasks related to events, fundraisers, outreach, etc.

• Email List Only: Interested in receiving email updates about what BELAC is doing. (All members and occasional volunteers are added to the Email List automatically.) Subscribe to Email List

Our Meetings

We meet on the second Wednesday of the month (there are some exceptions when that date falls on a holiday) from 7:30-8:30pm in a hybrid structure on Google Meet or in person! No meetings in July or December. See the Meeting Schedule

Being a Member

Membership is open to any past or current ECFE participant or anyone currently enrolled in another Early Learning program (like Preschool or Early Childhood Special Education) who supports the mission of the council. The majority of members will be parents or caregivers of children participating in ECFE, as Minnesota state law requires this, however we aim to have representation from as many Early Learning programs and diversified backgrounds as possible.

Members:

• Desire to strengthen the family unit and support Bloomington ELS through increased parent involvement.

• Have an interest and motivation in the work of BELAC

• Can serve as a liaison between program participants and staff.

• Can commit to a full year of membership including attending 10 monthly meetings (we do not meet in December and June); two absences are reasonably excused.

How to Join

Please indicate your interest by submitting the online form here. The form can be submitted at any time with members reviewed and invited to join by the Officers at any point during the year. We keep in touch with all members via our email list.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to be a member to come to a meeting?
  No. Visitors are welcome anytime. Non-members cannot vote on BELAC business, however.

• What if I can’t commit to attend all the meetings?
  You can still attend meetings and be involved as a volunteer. We regularly publish volunteer opportunities associated with events and other activities sponsored by BELAC

• What is the difference between attending meetings and being a member?
  Members get voting rights. Non-members can participate in discussion and give input, but they cannot vote on BELAC business or decisions. Members agree to attend 10 meetings a year with 2 absences reasonably excused.

How to Request Funds from BELAC:

Please fill out our Grant Request Form to request BELAC to fund things for Early Learning Services programs. We review requests as they are received, and will respond within 2 weeks of receiving any request. Please note, once we determine if we can fund a request, it must be voted on at a future board meeting. Only then, if passed by a majority of our voting board members, can funds be considered as a donation. Timeline for receiving funds is approximately 1-3 months. If you have questions, please email info@bloomingtonearlyadvisors.org.