Hi Friend, 

When we talk about early childhood learning, we don’t usually think about laundromats. Or bus stops. Or store aisles. 

But at Too Small to Fail, we’ve learned that some of the most powerful moments of early development happen in the spaces where families live their daily lives, often while juggling multiple jobs, responsibilities, and very limited time. 

Because the truth is, brain development doesn’t wait for ideal conditions. The first five years of life are a critical window and even brief, joyful interactions like talking, singing, or reading can help shape a child’s future. 

That’s why, a decade ago, we set out with a mission: to help every parent and caregiver turn everyday moments into brain-building ones. Not by asking more of families but by meeting them where they already are and giving them tools that fit into their busy lives.  

Today, we’re celebrating a decade of this work with a new report, which shares what we’ve learned from working with communities all across the country — and how trusted messengers, open-source creative materials, and surprising places like laundromats and waiting rooms can become engines of learning and opportunity.

We’ve seen this work lead to real change: Parents report reading, talking, and singing more and children are engaging in more literacy activities.  

At the Clinton Foundation, we believe that supporting children means supporting the people who care for them. And while budgets and policies may shift, that belief grounds everything we do. 

Thank you for helping us turn everyday spaces into places of possibility. 

With gratitude,

Patti Miller

Chief Executive Officer 

Too Small to Fail  

P.S. If you believe every child deserves a strong start, we’d be honored to have your support for the decade ahead.