Start Early 2025 Year in Review: Building Brighter Futures

The Start Early 2025 Year in Review, celebrating a year of growth, innovation and transformative milestones during the last fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) is now available!

This past year has tested the resolve of the early learning field in ways few of us could have predicted. Delayed federal and state funding, regional office closures and shifting policy landscapes have created real threats and uncertainty for early learning and care programs, providers and the families they serve. Start Early stepped up as a national leader, drawing on our deep expertise across program, policy and research to translate national urgency into local support. Check out the full Year in Review to learn about the incredible work being done at Start Early and the impact we’ve made nationwide.

Connecting America Interview with Yvette Sanchez Fuentes on the Consequences of the Government Shutdown for our Youngest Learners

The longest federal shutdown in United States history ended earlier this week, with Congress passing a spending package to fund the government through January 30.

Before the shutdown concluded, Start Early Senior Vice President of Government Relations & Research, Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, joined Connecting America to discuss the far-reaching and often overlooked consequences of shutdowns on children, families and early childhood providers. Though recorded prior to the reopening, her insights remain deeply relevant.

As the government begins the process of reopening, our focus now turns to ensuring the programs infants and toddlers rely on are prioritized as Congress works toward a long-term funding agreement.

Educare Chicago at 25: Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring the Future

Twenty-five years ago, Educare Chicago opened its doors with a simple yet powerful belief: that every child no matter their background or ZIP code deserves access to quality early learning experiences. What began as one school on Chicago’s South Side has grown into a national network of 25 – soon to be 27 – Educare schools, all built on the original Educare Chicago model of excellence in early childhood education.

Last month, we celebrated this milestone at the Educare Chicago 25th Anniversary Symposium, a day filled with wisdom, joy and heartfelt reflection. Nearly 100 individuals joined us in person at the University of Chicago and 200 more tuned in virtually, each helping make the day more special. Learn more.

Supporting Picky Eaters

Tips from our Experts

If mealtimes have become a source of stress in your household, especially around the holidays, you're not alone. Many parents in our Start Early community have shared their challenges with picky eating. That’s why we turned to our experts for practical guidance that really works for families.

Food is a sensitive topic as it's deeply personal and essential for growth and development. Understanding picky eating, its causes and how to support a child through it can make a significant difference in fostering healthy eating habits.

Check out our blog post where we explore what picky eating is, strategies to support picky eaters and dispel common misconceptions about children’s nutrition.

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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