ROCK SPRINGS – Buildings are not the only things new to the program at the Sweetwater County Child Developmental Center. A new mission statement, new goals and a new director, Shelly Wall, have also been put into place.

After getting approval from the public to use the sixth-cent tax for a new building in Green River and an upgrade to the Foothill Blvd building in Rock Springs, the CDC Board went to work. The board developed a new mission statement and a new vision statement after attending workshops and other educational presentations.

The new mission statement is “The mission of the Sweetwater County Child Development Center is to improve the quality of life of all children and their families through early childhood education.”

The new vision statement is “The Sweetwater County Child Development Center is committed to providing positive educational opportunities for all children within Sweetwater County, birth to five years of age. We implement 21st century skills into the daily educational opportunities for students and staff. Our strong leaders maintain open lines of communication with the public and staff to promote a positive, sage and creative atmosphere. We are fiscally conservative to maintain the human and physical facilities needed for the children’s benefit.”

Not only were new mission and vision statements put in place but also a new set of values and a strategic plan. With all these new changes ready to go into action, the CDC needed a new director to steer the ship.

The board did not have to look far.  They found the perfect candidate just down the street at Sweetwater County School District No. 1.

Shelly Wall said she heard the CDC Director position was going to open up. After talking with board member Christy Magagna, she submitted her resume.

“The job description was perfect for me,” Wall said.

Wall went through the hiring process and on Sept. 10th was selected as the new leader of the CDC. Wall wore a lot of different hats during her 14 years at the school district. She said her background is in early childhood special education.

Wall brings a lot to the table as far as experience. She has been a teacher, a building principal, an administrator, and was Director of K-12 special education and development for the Sweetwater One School Foundation.

While some of the early goals for Wall may seem like going back to basics, other goals are stepping away from past administrations. She explained one of her first goals will be to look at getting a better system set up throughout the CDC. Basically, Wall said she wants to get Green River and Rock Springs on the same page. She said one step to do this was for employees at both centers to receive the same training instead of separating the campuses.

“We really want things on a regional level rather than a building level,” Wall said.

The CDC financial situation has been in the news for several years now. One of the more challenging goals Wall has set is to build a financial reserve. One step which Wall thinks which will be important to all of the goals for the board and for her and her leadership team is to be as transparent as possible. Steps to make this a reality have already taken place. A recent board action will give more information on board meetings by creating a new online board agenda system.

Another step Wall focused on was the importance of the entire CDC Board attending strategic planning meetings together. She said it not only is responsible for the new mission statements and vision, but has also given the entire leadership the same goals and values.

One of the biggest advantages Wall brings is her knowledge of the school district and how to make the transition easier for students moving up to the school district. Wall added she wants to take the CDC back to when it was available to students with and without disabilities. She stressed students at all levels may need additional help transitioning into school and the CDC can provide  that.

“Helping students transition sets them off on the right foot.” Wall added she knows very well how the school district’s transition works.

In closing, Wall spoke of her passion for education at any level.

“Kids are the reason I am here,” Wall explained, “We are going to make sure we are putting policies in place that will show how it benefits the kids. Every decision I make is made for the kids. I am here for the kids.”