Our Impact

mission, vision & values

Kids learn.Families grow.Bloomington thrives.

Pathways is where a child's first classroom and a family's next big step live under one roof. Here's what we do, why we do it this way, and what guides every decision we make.

See what makes us different Explore our values

A day at Pathways — every day at Compass

A Pathways family — families going places

Pathways families and staff — one big community

🧭 our mission

We provide high-quality, affordable early learning and promote economic mobility for families.

🌱 our vision

To be an essential part of a community committed to helping all families thrive.

why we're different

One front door for the whole family

Most places help the child or the parent. We help both, in the same building, at the same time, because children thrive when families thrive.

for the little ones

Compass Early Learning Center

High-quality early learning for ages 1 to 5
Sliding-scale tuition so care stays affordable
Teachers who keep growing through ongoing training

for the grown-ups

Family Resource Center

Weekly groceries & essentials, ready at pick-up
A Navigator in your corner for 2 to 3 years
Matched savings and emergency help that last

Drop off your toddler, pick up your groceries, and meet with your Navigator, all on the same trip.

what we do

What brings you to Pathways?

Pick one to see what we've got for you.

🧸 I have a little one 🧭 I'm building my future 💛 I want to help

for parents of kids ages 1 to 5

A first classroom they'll love

🐬 Dolphins
🦦 Otters
🐧 Penguins
🌊 Seahorses
🐢 Sea Turtles
🐦 Puffins

for Compass families

Support for your next big step

for neighbors, donors & helpers

Be part of the path forward

Despite the chaos, for the first time in my life I feel like I truly have control over where my life is going.
Nicole, Your Path participant

what we believe

Six values, one big heart

Tap a card to flip it over.

Importance of education

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Importance of education

We strive to give every child at Compass the highest-quality early learning experience. Our teachers and staff keep growing through ongoing professional development.

Whole-family approach

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Whole-family approach

Child development goes beyond the classroom. Sliding-scale tuition, family resources and one-on-one navigation support the whole family, because children thrive when families thrive.

Respect

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Respect

We value unconditional positive regard. Every child, family, staff member, volunteer, donor and partner is treated with dignity and respect, without exception.

Supportive environment

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Supportive environment

Progress grows from steady support. We build places where families, children and staff feel safe, secure, connected and confident, and we link people to what they need.

Equity

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Equity

We promote equity over equality. Our programs open fair access to quality early learning and support, working to address the social and economic gaps that stand in families' way.

Stewardship

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Stewardship

Every dollar goes toward our mission. We honor our supporters' trust through accountability, transparency and integrity, so every investment creates lasting results.

our strategic plan

Where we're headed

Sharpen our focus

Serve Monroe County families as effectively as we possibly can.

One seamless experience

Bring Compass and the Family Resource Center together for families.

Open more doors

Improve access to high-quality early learning for every family who needs it.

Grow our relationships

With donors, staff, families and volunteers, the foundation of lasting impact.

with support, a new path forward is always possible

Join us on the path forward

Whether you give, volunteer or simply spread the word, every act of support helps a Monroe County family build the future they deserve.

Donate today Volunteer with us Meet our team