What the data shows: Early learning programs often lack the effectiveness needed to ensure children are ready to thrive in school and in life. Staff turnover is high in a field where quality and consistency is critical.
Effective Early Learning Programs
Ensuring that all families have access to inclusive, high-quality early learning programs that are culturally and linguistically responsive to their needs.
our approach
We’re Committed To:
Creating Inclusive Settings That Model Exemplary Early Learning & Care Practices
We operate programs that provide high-quality early learning opportunities in our home state of Illinois. Through our networks and leadership, we model and scale effective practices particularly for communities that face disproportionate barriers to access.
Supporting the Early Childhood Workforce With Professional Development
Our professional learning for the Early Learning and Care workforce supports effective programs, the development of skills and expertise and increased retention of highly skilled professionals across the field.
Developing Compensation & Economic Well-Being Solutions for Professionals
By advocating for and implementing competitive compensation structures, we help attract and retain early childhood professionals, creating a stable and thriving workforce for generations to come.
how we work
Our Impact Strategies
Start Early operates at the epicenter of delivering high-quality programming, scaling best practices and advocating for policy change that supports effective early learning programs. Our leadership and credibility in these areas uniquely position us to influence practices, policies and funding—ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Deliver High-Quality Programming
We directly impact families through hands-on support and innovative programming. We research, develop and pilot new strategies to improve quality within Head Start, Early Head Start and Home Visiting programs. We also invest in professional learning for staff across directly operated programs, improving the quality of educational services.
Scale Best Practices
In our home states of Illinois and Washington, we offer cross-sector professional development and resources that help educators thrive. Building on this work, we scale and share proven practices and data-driven insights nationwide—advancing continuous improvement and innovation so early learning professionals everywhere can deliver the best outcomes for children and families.
Advocate for Policy Change
We advocate for policies and practices that create sustainable change. We support and consult on workforce and professional learning systems, aiming to improve career development and retention in the Early Learning and Care field. We also develop solutions that provide improved compensation for educators.
impact in action
Helping Children Thrive from
Helping Children Thrive from
the Start
Watch how our educators partner with families to help children build the school readiness skills they need to be successful in Kindergarten.
by the numbers
Our Annual Impact
Through our work with children and families, early learning professionals, community partners and advocates, Start Early has:
85% of Children
Children in our Early Head Start and Head Start met or exceeded developmental expectations, surpassing our 75% goal.
12,343 Professionals
Served over 12,343 professionals, impacting the experience of 567,108 children. Directly served 2,228 children in our Early Head Start Network.
$226 Million
Worked towards 11 Early Childhood Policy changes and secured $226M in new funding.
why this matters
Key Benefits for Families
Start Early’s programs connect families to community resources, ensuring that they receive the customized support needed to nurture their young children. Research shows that when families are actively engaged in their children’s learning—both in and out of school—parents are better equipped to support their child’s development and long-term success.
Holistic Development
Ensuring that parents have access to comprehensive services that provide critical support for their children’s physical, cognitive and emotional health.
Holistic Development
Ensuring that parents have access to comprehensive services that provide critical support for their children’s physical, cognitive and emotional health.
Family Support
Connecting families to resources, alleviating stress and providing parents with tools that help them meet their children’s needs.
Family Support
Connecting families to resources, alleviating stress and providing parents with tools that help them meet their children’s needs.
Early Identification
Improving long-term outcomes through timely interventions to support developmental delays and learning needs.
Early Identification
Improving long-term outcomes through timely interventions to support developmental delays and learning needs.
Community Engagement
Fostering a strong, connected network of support that benefits both children and their families.
Community Engagement
Fostering a strong, connected network of support that benefits both children and their families.
explore more
Our Impact & Other Focus Areas
Our Impact
At Start Early, we create a continuum of care that supports families every step of the way—before, during and after their child is born.
Healthy Births & Thriving Families
We’re supporting baby’s growth and healthy brain development by prioritizing the well-being of families.
Strong Early Childhood Systems
We’re transforming the early childhood system into a prenatal-to-five continuum of publicly funded, effective programs that meet the unique needs of children, their families and those who serve them.
A Trusted Leader in Early Childhood Development
For over 40 years, we’ve worked hand in hand with families, caregivers and communities to co-create an Early Learning and Care system that reflects their voices and meets their needs. By elevating these voices and removing barriers, we’re helping ensure every child can grow, learn and thrive—from the very start.
