OCECA Brings Leaders Together to Create Pathways to Success

May 31, 2025 Contributor
ENVISIONING A BRIGHTER FUTURE – The Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance (OCECA) hosted a Strategic Visioning Event at GS Steamers Bar & Grill in Oswego in April. The session was intended to gather community leaders from around the county to collaborate on building pathways to success for Oswego County’s children and families. Pictured from left are Emma Gage, coordinator of Oswego County Help Me Grow at OCECA, Integrated Community Planning of Oswego County, Inc. (ICP); Janice Scott, director of Education Services at Oswego County Opportunities, Inc.; Chena Tucker, executive director at the Richard S. Shineman Foundation; Carri Waloven, staff development specialist at CiTi BOCES; Sidney Carter, coordinator of OCECA at ICP; and Brandy Koproski, executive director of ICP.

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance (OCECA) hosted a Strategic Visioning Event at GS Steamers Bar & Grill in Oswego in April.

“It takes all of us – health care providers, educators, non-profits, government agencies, businesses and parents – to create a system that’s truly supportive of young children and their families,” said Sidney Carter, coordinator of the OCECA. “The work we’re doing isn’t happening in silos; it’s the result of coordinated intentional partnerships that are building a stronger foundation for every child in Oswego County.”

The gathering brought together leaders from multiple sectors across the county, including elected officials, education, health care, business and community organizations to collaborate on a vision for a stronger, more integrated system that supports young children and their families in Oswego County.

The event focused on identifying the county’s strengths, existing partnerships and available resources that can be maximized to create long-term, positive outcomes for families over the next five to 10 years. Participants also explored the key role OCECA can play in promoting meaningful change across the early childhood system.

At the conclusion of the event, Oswego County Administrator and OCECA Executive Committee Member, Philip Church, announced a major next step for the group – the formation of four advisory councils designed to inform and guide OCECA’s ongoing work.

These councils will include:

  • Parent Advisory Council, which will focus on family support and resources.
  • Business Advisory Council, which will target advocacy and funding, employee support and economic self-sufficiency.
  • Community Advisory Council, aimed at covering community health, mental health and nutrition.
  • Early Childhood Development Advisory Council, which will highlight early learning and child care.

Each advisory council will have specific goals and deliverables aimed at advancing a shared vision – to create a coordinated, responsive system that helps all Oswego County children enter Kindergarten ready to succeed.

OCECA invites community members, parents, businesses and organizations to engage with the advisory councils and be part of this transformative journey.

For more information about the Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance and how to get involved, contact Sidney Carter at [email protected] or 315-343-2344, ext.113.

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