At all levels of the organization, we endeavor to foster a workplace that honors diversity, examines and addresses privilege, actively works to dismantle structural and institutional racism, and embeds racial equity in our decision making and internal and external processes. We commit to co-creating an organizational culture of inclusion where the presence, voices and ideas of staff and the communities we serve are represented, heard, valued and acted upon.
Decades of institutional racism and long-tolerated inequities – among them a lack of economic opportunity, over-policing and police brutality, inaccessible healthcare, housing instability, and environmental inequities – are a direct threat to the children and families we are in service with.
Our work focused on providing a bright and just future for all children would not be possible without recognizing that each child and family has been uniquely impacted and traumatized by generations of long-tolerated inequities. Many families, especially those living in communities left under-resourced by decades of historical and institutional racism, lack access to the quality early learning and care that helps level the playing field and closes the opportunity gap.
For nearly 40 years we have been dedicated to creating a future where all children and families can thrive and prosper. Start Early is uncompromising in our pursuit of excellence and remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling the unjust practices and policies that are harmful to children and families of color.
We aim to approach this critical work listening with humility and in authentic partnership with families. As an organization, our deep expertise in program, policy and research well-position us to lead change in multiple aspects of our field and identify and dismantle racist practices and ideas – with a focus on rebuilding better, more equitable systems that level the playing field so all children, families and educators can thrive.
