That’s a Wrap: Annual Luncheon 2022Start Early hosted our Annual Luncheon on April 27, and we couldn’t have been happier to have hundreds of new friends and faithful supporters of young children and families back together again to celebrate the power of early learning and care.



Whether you joined us here in Chicago or virtually elsewhere, we thank you for your support and commitment to young children, their families and those who care for them. With the help of supporters like you, early learning experts and generous sponsors, including our presenting sponsor LaSalle Network, we exceeded our $1.3 million fundraising goal!

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We are excited to be able to share with you a complete recording and event recap here.









Closing the Gap Between Supply & Demand of Child Care What would it look like for the supply of infant-toddler child care to meet the critical demand of infant-toddler child care nationwide? Last fall, a cross-divisional team from Start Early sought out to answer this question - the team conducted a literature review, researched approaches from other states, and most importantly, directly engaged Illinois’ child care professionals to learn about the challenges they experience providing infant-toddler care and their ideas for solutions.

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Read a reflection on this important and powerful project from Start Early Policy Director Carie Bires, who reminds us of the incredible strength, perseverance and dedication of our child care community, especially considering the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.








Federal Budget Proposal & Mental Health What the latest federal budget proposal means for supporting positive mental health of our earliest learners.


Today more than ever, positive mental health is being challenged by an ongoing pandemic and societal changes. During Mental Health Awareness Month, organizations and individuals across the country are promoting positive mental health and advocating for new and improved policies that support the mental health of individuals and their families.


President Joe Biden’s latest budget proposal demonstrates recognition of the critical need for federal action in this area.
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Learn more about current supports available for helping ensure positive infant/early childhood mental health and what new supports and investments could be on the way.








Playing—And Learning—In the Great Indoors Looking for fun indoor activities to do with the little ones in your life?


From scorching hot temperatures to hail storms, spring weather across the country has made it challenging to enjoy the great outdoors this season. Inclement weather can offer the perfect opportunity to engage in indoor activities with your children that help them build important academic and social skills like executive functions, memory, self-regulation and teamwork.
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Check out our expert tips to help you enjoy your indoor time playing and learning with your child.








Start Early Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed significantly to many facets of American culture and society, including science, medicine, literature, art, sports and recreation, government and politics, and activism and law. Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in the United States. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrates the unique journey of all AAPI immigrants and citizens in the United States and their unique life experiences, traditions and cultures.
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Celebrate APPI Heritage Month with us and learn the origins of this important holiday.



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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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