That’s a Wrap—2025 Annual LuncheonEarlier this month, Start Early hosted our 23rd Annual Luncheon, where we explored how stress during pregnancy can affect a baby’s brain, why supporting mothers’ mental health matters, and how early experiences shape a child’s development.


As we heard during the program, investments in prenatal and doula care and access to high-quality early learning programs not only help children thrive, but also support families and lay the foundation for a child’s healthy start in life. If you were not able to attend or you'd like to learn more about our program,
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an event recap is available.









Attacks on Head Start Put Early Childhood Education Programs at Risk in Illinois and Beyond“This is critical care for people, people in cities, people in suburbs, people in rural areas – every ZIP code across the country is served by a Head Start program. In some rural areas, it’s the only type of child care they have.”

– Nadia Gronkowsk

Program Manager of Advocacy & Policy


Start Early’s Nadia Gronkowski sat down with WBEZ’s Sasha Ann Simon to talk about the critical supports Head Start provides to +800,000 families annually across the U.S., and how attacks on it put early childhood education programs at risk in our home state of Illinois and beyond.
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Listen now.








Happy 60th Birthday to Head StartSince its creation in 1965, Head Start has transformed the lives of over 40 million children and their families by preparing children for school, supporting parents with access to child care and strengthening health, education and economic outcomes locally and across the country. Right now, Head Start is at risk. Please stand with us to protect and sustain this vital program.


To both preserve the future of Head Start, and celebrate the impact it’s had over the past six decades, we invite you to share a story about how Head Start has made a difference in your life. Participation is simple—
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submit a short story reflecting what Head Start means to you or your community.








Celena Sarillo named to Latino Leaders Magazine's 100 Latinas for 2025!Start Early Illinois' Executive Director Celena Sarillo was recently honored in Latino Leaders magazine on their list 100 Latinas for 2025, a compilation of trailblazing women leading in areas of expertise. We’re so proud of the incredible work Celena does to advance early learning across Illinois through policy, research and early childhood programs!
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Read more.










Grow Their Excitement for LearningTips from our Experts


Calling all green thumbs and budding gardeners! Are you ready to embark on a delightful gardening adventure with your child?


Gardening offers a world of learning opportunities for children. It's not just about digging in the dirt; it's a hands-on experience that fosters a deep connection with nature and sparks curiosity. From planting seeds to watching them sprout into vibrant flowers or delicious veggies, your child will experience nature and science firsthand. So, grab your gardening tools, get your hands dirty, and watch the wonder unfold!
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Learn more .



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Start Early advances quality early learning for families with children, before birth through their earliest years, to close the opportunity gap.

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