Our Beginning: Uplifting Educators

Champions for Children JH was born from a shared vision among three pioneering early childhood education centers in Teton County—Children’s Learning Center, Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, and Teton Literacy Center. Together, they created a platform to shine a spotlight on the essential work of educators, whose passion and dedication form the backbone of our community.

A Strategic Transition to Expanded Learning Collective

Champions for Children JH has evolved to more deeply invest in the professionals who shape our community’s youngest learners. As the needs of the early childhood workforce have grown, so has our commitment to strengthening and sustaining the educators at the heart of this work.

In 2023, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole launched the Education and Families Initiative, partnering with the Expanded Learning Collective (formerly Systems of Education) to advance a more coordinated, workforce-centered vision for education across Teton County.

Formed in 2010 and comprising more than 35 local education nonprofits, agencies, and community leaders, the Expanded Learning Collective works to reduce barriers within the education system — with a strong emphasis on educator recruitment, retention, professional recognition, and sustainable career pathways. The collective recognizes that program quality and access begin with a stable, supported workforce.

Champions for Children JH is now part of this unified effort — bringing its long-standing dedication to uplifting early childhood educators into a broader platform focused on strengthening the profession itself. By investing in educator morale, visibility, and long-term sustainability, we reinforce the foundation of early learning across our region.

When educators are supported, the entire education ecosystem grows stronger.

EmPowerED Symposium

Honoring the Changemakers

At the heart of our impact lies EmPowerED: Celebrating the Power of Early Childhood Educators—an annual symposium dedicated to honoring, from the stage, those educators who go above and beyond.

Why EmPowerED Matters

  • It’s about the people: The event centers educators celebrating their dedication, innovation, and leadership.
  • It’s community-driven: From nominations by peers and families, to shared conversations, the symposium deepens engagement around early childhood education.
  • It elevates the cause: By highlighting the work of outstanding educators, EmPowerED rallies support, awareness, and resources for the field.

A Call to Community

Champions for Children JH’s legacy lives on in the educators it has celebrated, the children it has served, and the collaborative spirit it inspired. Now, as part of the Expanded Learning Collective, this legacy is amplified.

Together, we continue building pathways to learning, connection, and success for every child guided by data, strengthened through community, and energized by shared vision.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We remain committed to creating a future in which every child in Teton County has access to supportive, enriching environments that nurture their potential during all the foundational years they are learning and growing.
Help us explore and utilize innovative strategies to recruit, retain, and support the staff members that make our services exceptional. Show your support — let’s discover solutions that engage new resources, incorporate new voices, and ultimately deliver what young children need most.
BECOME A CHAMPION