ECCA Story
Who we are
Early Childhood Coalitions of Alberta (ECCA) represents the provincial identity of the nearly 100 Early Childhood Coalitions across Alberta, the provincial support team (FCSSAA) and the Province. They have a rich history and continue to provide a cross-sectoral table focused on early childhood. The Coalitions use community data (including EDI data) to support local decision-making and collaborative planning to respond to their local needs.
ECCA helps to build awareness, capacity and momentum at a provincial and community level to enhance children’s well-being and development through a community development approach. ECCA has a high level of engagement from communities and organizations across Alberta. While every Coalition has their own unique story to share, collectively we are creating connected, caring and informed communities. Each action, conversation and collaboration on behalf of children and families makes a difference in the provincial landscape.
Where we've been
Where we're going
Coalitions continue to develop and grow their circle of influence. There is an increase in the creation of communication and strategic plans developing the key priority areas and the ECCA Outcomes Framework. There is a significant increase in resource sharing and excitement around local and external innovations. Examples of resources include mobilization of EDI Community information, early childhood development concepts such as play, the core story of brain development, physical literacy and strengthening connections. There is an increased value and desire to gather and share in person and online to build local and regional capacity.
While every Coalition has their own unique story to share, collectively we are creating connected, caring and informed communities. Each action, conversation and collaboration on behalf of children and families makes a difference in the provincial landscape.
Every community celebrates their strengths and responds to the local needs through strategic actions. Explore the stories we are excited to share with you.
Outcomes
The ECCA Vision, Mission and Theory of Change are the cornerstones of the Outcomes Measurement Framework. The Framework outlines the short, intermediate and long term outcomes Coalitions are working towards, and provides suggested indicators. It reflects data collection to demonstrate the outcomes, collective impact and the value of Early Childhood Coalition work for diverse community and provincial audiences.
The ECCA Framework affirms the “Key Priority Areas” of action, enabling development of short-term (increasing awareness), intermediate (attitude, belief & skills) and long term (sustained change). Outcomes, and the measurement matrix contributing to the ultimate outcome of healthy foundation in the early years that will last a life-time.
