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What is the Early Learning Nation Collective?

All young children—prenatal through age 8—should have equitable access to the care, education, and support they need to thrive within their communities.

The Early Learning Nation (ELN) Collective is a network of local leaders and national partners collaborating to make this happen. We bring together a wide range of expertise and lived experiences to foster and support local decision-making that benefits children, families, and their communities.

Our Values

Our work follows a set of shared values focused on collaboration and the power of communities to create a better future for their children.

What is an Early Learning Community?

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 prenatal through age 8.

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

Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia