Help Make Dreams Become a Reality
From big dreams to bright futures, anything is possible with quality early learning. See how you can help ensure that children have the best start in life.
Change the First Five Years and You Change Everything®️
Each year, more than 1 million children enter kindergarten unprepared to learn. But you can change that.
When you donate to Start Early, you can help ensure that children have the best start in life through quality early learning. They’re counting on your support.
An Organization You Can Trust
As a nonprofit that serves Chicago and communities across the country, Start Early is proud to have received the highest rankings from the nation’s most reputable charity evaluators and provide the most impact with your gift.
Most Recent Rating: 4 Stars
Most Recent Rating: Platinum
Where Your Giving Goes
When you give to Start Early, 88% of every dollar goes to support our mission.
The first five years of life are crucial in shaping lifelong success. This is a critical window to change a child's future. Act now to ensure children have the best start in life through quality early learning.
How We Are Improving the State of Early Learning in America
Providing Quality Early Learning to Children and Families
We deliver high-quality programs that work directly with families to empower parents and support their child’s healthy development.
Accelerating Innovation in the Early Childhood Field
We develop and implement innovative programs, policy and research to strengthen the early childhood workforce and ensure better outcomes for children and families.
Advocating for Policies That Put Families First
We advocate for policies and programs that prioritize critical areas such as prenatal care, early learning and early intervention.
Connecting Communities by Fostering Collaboration and Partnerships
We connect communities to share knowledge and access to family resources and supports.
Our Reach
Our comprehensive approach allows us to create impact for the greatest number of children, families and educators. In the last year:
We reached 1.5 million children through our direct service and through our professional development programs.
We reached 298,486 professionals through our professional development programs and by leading the Head Start National Center for Parent, Family and Community Engagement.
Our intensive policy and advocacy consultation enabled public sector leaders and advocates in 17 states to build more equitable systems for over 6.5 million young children.
How You Can Help
Start Early relies on the support of people like you — from donating to amplifying your voice — to deliver quality early learning and care to our youngest learners.
Become a Monthly Donor
Help close the opportunity gap and ensure every child has a chance to reach their full potential.
Become a Monthly Donor
Monthly giving is the most effective way to provide children living in under-resourced communities with the quality early learning they need to thrive.
Donate in Honor of a Loved One
We invite you to honor your loved ones by making a gift in their name.
Donate in Honor of a Loved One
Send a personalized eCard and message to your honoree acknowledging your gift.
More Ways to Give
There are a variety of ways to support our mission and help America’s youngest learners.
Take Action
Share your story, contact legislators or post on social media to impact policy at local, state and federal levels.
Our Impact in Action
See firsthand how Start Early’s early learning programs help new and expecting parents build a strong foundation for their children to thrive.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive news, helpful tools and learn about how you can help our youngest learners.
Become a Monthly Donor
Monthly giving is the most effective way to provide children living in under-resourced communities with the quality early learning they need to thrive.
Support Our Work
Together, when we start early, we can close the opportunity gap and ensure every child has a chance to reach their full potential.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive news, helpful tools and learn about how you can help our youngest learners.
