Start Early

Thank you for spotlighting the critical work of Start Early Washington, Seattle Foundation! Read more about Start Early Washington’s deep expertise in home visiting, workforce development and policy and advocacy in a new post by our partners at Seattle Foundation:

Books have the power to introduce children to the incredible achievements of women throughout history. This Women’s History Month, explore our book list featuring inspiring stories of strong, trailblazing women—perfect for young readers! Whether your young learners are toddlers, in pre-K or in kindergarten, see our experts’ recommendations to read during this month and beyond: ?https://bit.ly/4iDtMX1

Stay informed on the latest in early childhood policy, research, best practices and opportunities for professional advancement and collaboration by joining Start Early's email list! Receive noteworthy developments in state and federal early childhood policy news, including our Policy Perspectives e-newsletter. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4bADirO

Evidence shows that Early Intervention (EI) works – these services can radically improve long-term development for?infants and toddlers?with?a medical condition or diagnosis that makes them at substantial risk for a developmental delay or disability. Yet, EI services are?underutilized,?and many families struggle to get connected to services in?a timely manner.?Read a recent article in The Hechinger Report by Sarah Carr about the challenges that plague the system and potential solutions to increase equity and access within the system:

“It's important that teaching black history doesn't end when March 1 comes."- Khristi Adams, teacher, advocate, speaker, school chaplain, and author. In honor of Black History Month Romper highlights what educators hope students will truly take away, like the importance of celebrating Black history and achievements, beyond March 1st. One key takeaway from educators? The importance of celebrating a multitude of Black historical figures, like playwright August Adams or journalist Ida B. Wells, in addition to well-known noteworthy names such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2k7AN5r

On February 28th, 11:00am-11:45am (CT), join staff from the National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement (NCPFCE) and the Office of Head Start’s Damón Manning for a virtual live chat in the Engaging Fathers and Male Caregivers community! ? This chat is hosted on the free MyPeers platform, administered by the NCPFCE, where early childhood staff connect with Office of Head Start staff on the best strategies for getting male caregivers and fathers involved in programs. ? Each 45-minute text chat is an opportunity to enhance your engagement strategies through conversations with the hosts and your Head Start colleagues. In February, we will discuss how to prioritize the well-being of fathers and male caregivers. Gather your questions and make a lasting impact alongside fathers in Head Start programs! ? To participate in the chat as a MyPeers member,?join via https://bit.ly/4hKQ2OL?at 11:00am (CT) on February 28th and look for the active chat box in the bottom right corner of your screen. ? Not a MyPeers member? You can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gS-4yewa

“We’re at historically high service delays right now for families who are waiting for these services,” said Zareen Kamal, policy specialist at Start Early Illinois. A new WBEZ Chicago article details the challenges Illinois families are facing in receiving critical early intervention (EI) services. A recent cost model report found that the need for EI services has increased post-pandemic, but that the number of providers taking new clients has substantially decreased, leading to thousands of families across the state to experience service delays, with Black and rural families particularly affected. Many children are aging out of early intervention before their services can begin. While the EI service delays and staffing shortages are a nationwide issue, there are challenges with the setup of the Illinois early intervention system. Illinois EI providers are independent contractors who don't receive health insurance or other benefits, aren't reimbursed for travel time, and they are paid an hourly rate that is lower than in other states. Read more: https://lnkd.in/giXw3uT2"

“We thank Governor Pritzker for his longstanding support for early learning and, particularly, the administration's decision to prioritize child care access in Illinois. Yet, when we fail to provide sufficient state funding for programs like Early Intervention and home visiting, we fail children during their most crucial developmental periods, and we leave families unsupported in caring for their little ones.”?- Celena Sarillo, Illinois Executive Director, Start Early? ? Today, Governor JB Pritzker proposed his Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, which includes level funding for Illinois' early childhood programs. While we understand the state’s financial constraints, Start Early is concerned that flat funding will hinder the ability to support more children, strengthen the workforce, and improve quality. We appreciate the Governor's commitment to early learning but urge the Illinois General Assembly to increase funding for critical programs, including Early Intervention, home visiting, child care, and preschool services. Our youngest learners need investment—action is needed now. Contact your state legislator today to let them know what early childhood programs mean to you and help ensure Illinois youngest children and their families are prioritized in the state’s final Fiscal Year 2026 budget this spring. Read our full statement and take action on our website:?https://bit.ly/4326wNO

That’s a wrap on the 2025 National Home Visiting Summit! Thank you to all of our wonderful attendees and speakers for helping to make this year’s conference one of the best ever. Thank you again to our generous funders Heising-Simons Foundation and Roots & Wings Foundation and our presenting sponsor Great Kids – the National Home Visiting Summit and Communities of Practice would not be possible without your support! #HVSummit

We’re excited to welcome over 1,000 early childhood systems leaders, researchers, practitioners and more at the 2025 National Home Visiting Summit which kicks off today in Washington, D.C.! We’re excited to come together for three days of learning, engagement and collaboration to advance the home visiting field. Thank you to our generous funder Heising-Simons Foundation and presenting sponsor Great Kids! The 2025 #HVSummit and Communities of Practice would not be possible without your support!??