Early Learning Communities

An Early Learning Community is a city, town, village, or county that promotes learning and development prenatally through the early years of elementary school so that all children can thrive.

In an Early Learning Community:

All new and expectant parents and young children are healthy
All children are ready to thrive in school
All children live in strong, positive, and nurturing families and communities

While communities vary greatly by history, culture, demographics, and geography, all Early Learning Communities stand on four key “Building Blocks”—that is, community characteristics and actions that promote healthy development and well-being for all young children.

The work of Early Learning Communities can only be effective when it is guided by core values, which will inform how leaders understand the needs of the community, prioritize the actions they want to take, and provide resources to accomplish the goals. The guiding values are:

Are we taking steps that will transform our systems to promote thriving and eliminate disparities in outcomes related to health, school readiness, and well-being?

Are parents and caregivers at the table, helping to shape the agenda, supported as leaders and partners, and being heard about what will work best for their families and communities throughout the entire process?

Are we tracking our efforts and impact in meaningful ways, and adjusting our work based on what we learn to ensure that we are making a difference?

Interested in getting involved in one of the communities or starting this journey?
Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.

GET INVOLVED

Dozens of cities, towns, villages, and counties have begun collaborating as their own unique Early Learning Communities across 15 priority states.

Interested in getting involved in one of the communities below or starting this journey?
Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.

GET INVOLVED