ST. LOUIS, MO – Missouri Champions for Children, Families, and Educators,
We want to take this time to share some important news regarding United 4 Children’s (U4C) status as the state’s contractor in managing and coordinating the Missouri Childhood Community Leader initiative.
Starting May 31, 2025, the organization providing day-to-day support for the community leaders will switch to the Blair Oaks R-II School District. This change is part of the state’s restructuring of the Early Care & Education Resource and Referral (ECERR) Contract, of which U4C has been the steward for the last two years.
The transition from U4C to Blair Oaks will begin on March 1. While U4C will still be responsible for community leader work through May 31, during this transition period, like with the rest of the ECERR work, U4C is committed to working with state’s chosen vendors to ensure the transition of responsibility is as seamless as Missouri’s families and children deserve, regardless of the organization leading the work.
While we navigate this change, it’s important to celebrate the remarkable impact we made over the course of this contract. Over the last two years this team has:
- Coordinated and Led 29 Community Leader Organizations across the State of Missouri
- Attended Dozens of community outreach events
- Distributed Thousands of consumer education materials
- Uploaded More than 1,000 Resources into the Missouri Family Resources database
- Established Relationships with stakeholders in each region of the state through Community Leader coordination.
These are incredible accomplishments that demonstrate the difference we have made in the last year and a half alone, while also developing innovative approaches, and furthering the work’s reach over time. We are grateful for the expertise and compassion of our teams who worked diligently to serve our communities.
Finally, last year, you helped us celebrate 55 years of service to MO’s families, children, and communities. United 4 Children (Child Day Care Association) was helping Missouri’s families and educators before Microsoft launched its first computer, Nike made its first sneaker, Starbucks poured its first cup of coffee, or FedEx shipped its first package. Our commitment to educating, developing, and advocating for Missouri’s children, families, and educators will endure for the next
55 years —and beyond. We are actively creating a roadmap for how we will adapt and continue to provide high level support to the community.
United 4 Children is unwavering in our commitment to realizing our vision that every child has the foundation to thrive regardless of race, economic status, natural ability, or zip code of residence. I am grateful for the support of our friends, stakeholders, and community partners as we continue to find the best ways to support Missouri and our children.
Deanna Finch
CEO
United 4 Children
###
