Opportunity Gap refers to the fact that the arbitrary circumstances in which people are born — such as their race, ethnicity, ZIP code and socioeconomic status — determine their opportunities in life, rather than all people having the chance to achieve to the best of their potential. These factors contribute to or perpetuate lower educational aspirations, achievement and attainment for certain groups of students.
Our Core Values
Our core values lay the foundation for our identity and the way we do our work. They reflect our ongoing commitment to instilling a culture that makes Start Early a great place to work and supports our role as a catalyst for change.
![Start Early Core Value - Empowerment](https://www.startearly.org/app/uploads/2020/09/CARD-GRID_Empowerment_Core-Value-1-800x450.png)
Empowerment
Listen Well
![Start Early Core Value - Appreciation & Respect](https://www.startearly.org/app/uploads/2020/09/CARD-GRID_Appreciation-Respect_Core-Value-1-800x450.png)
Appreciation & Respect
Do What We Say We Will Do
![Start Early Core Value - Learning](https://www.startearly.org/app/uploads/2020/09/CARD-GRID_Learning_Core-Value-1-800x450.png)
Learning
Be Curious, Keep Learning
![Start Early Core Value - Communication](https://www.startearly.org/app/uploads/2020/09/CARD-GRID_Communication_Core-Value-1-800x450.png)
Communication
Collaborate to Deliver Our Mission
![Start Early Core Value - Diversity](https://www.startearly.org/app/uploads/2020/09/CARD-GRID_Diversity_Core-Value-1-800x450.png)
Diversity
Drive Change Together
![Start Early Core Value - Excellence](https://www.startearly.org/app/uploads/2020/09/CARD-GRID_Excellence_Core-Value-800x450.png)
Excellence
Focus on Results
Advancing Racial Equity
Applying a racial equity lens to our work is critical to ensuring we deliver on our mission and live out our core values. Through the leadership of our Advancing Racial Equity Taskforce, we are building awareness and advancing racial equity throughout our organization.
![Group of children outside](https://www.startearly.org/app/uploads/2020/09/IMAGE-CTA_group-of-children.jpg)