Start Early

Start Early, formerly known as the Ounce of Prevention Fund and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a nationally recognized nonprofit public-private partnership founded in 1982 dedicated to advancing quality early learning and care for children from before birth through their earliest years. For more than 40 years, Start Early has delivered best-in-class doula, home visiting, and Early Head Start and Head Start programs, bringing deep expertise in program delivery, research and evaluation, professional development, and policy advocacy to help close the opportunity gap for under-resourced children and families. The organization works directly with children and families while also partnering with state and local entities to ensure inclusive access to quality early learning, with significant programs in Illinois and Washington state alongside offices in Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Springfield, Illinois. Start Early's affiliated programs include Educare Chicago and Healthy Parents & Babies, and the organization conducts rigorous research and evaluation to elevate the expertise of early childhood professionals and support better learning environments for young children. The organization hosts an Annual Luncheon and the National Home Visiting Summit, and in 2023 received a $10 million donation from MacKenzie Scott through the Yield Giving Foundation in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

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